Prince becomes patron of South West based College
The Prince of Wales has become Patron of the College of Paramedics, which has its HQ in Bristol Road, Bridgwater, Somerset.
The patronage reflects His Royal Highness’s continued admiration and respect for the UK’s medical and emergency services community.
As a former Air Ambulance Pilot who worked for East Anglian Air Ambulance from March 2015 until July 2017, the Prince has seen first-hand the unique clinical expertise, decision-making skills and versatility paramedics possess and the enormous contribution they make to the UK’s healthcare system.
During his time with East Anglian Air Ambulance, His Royal Highness piloted operational missions out of Cambridge Airport, as part of a team including specialist doctors, critical care paramedics and pilots providing emergency medical services across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Tracy Nicholls OBE, Chief Executive of the College of Paramedics said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales as our new Patron.
“His remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of our members and all emergency service personnel align perfectly with our mission to shape the future of the paramedic profession.
“His unique understanding of the role paramedics play in benefiting society will be instrumental in this partnership. Having his support will undoubtedly raise the profile of our work, and that of our members, and inspire others to join us in making a difference.
“ This is a transformative moment for the College of Paramedics, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead under his patronage."
The announcement comes at an exciting time for the College of Paramedics. Last February, the charity was granted the Charter of Incorporation by His Majesty King Charles III and next year the organisation will celebrate its 25th anniversary; two key milestones in the College’s history which help reflect the rapid growth, development and value of our modern paramedic profession.
The College of Paramedics began life as the British Paramedic Association on December 14, 2001, when it was established as the professional body for paramedics in the UK. Three years later, the organisation rebranded itself the College of Paramedics and within 15 years of its inception, the College had 10,000 members. This figure has continued to grow over the years and now stands at more than 20,000 members.
Since its early days, the College has been instrumental in developing the paramedic profession and was responsible for writing the first standards of proficiency for paramedics in 2004, introducing the British Paramedic Journal, presenting the first paramedic curriculum framework in 2006, raising the threshold for entry to the Health and Care Professions Council’s register to degree status and achieving independent prescribing for paramedics.
The College of Paramedics continues to work with governments and stakeholders across the UK, making sure the profession is represented and that our members have a strong voice.
Jon Price, President of the College of Paramedics said: “On behalf of all our members, it is such a privilege that HRH The Prince of Wales has agreed to serve as our Royal Patron. Given his experience as an Air Ambulance Pilot, The Prince has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the work paramedics do and the difference they make to their patients’ lives on a daily basis. We know that his patronage will be a real moment of pride for our members, and I look forward to working together to further strengthen and support our profession.”
