Medical Students at the University of Worcester have walked the length of the Malvern Hills to raise money for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
Members of the Worcester Emergency Medicine Society are planning to visit the Midlands Air Ambulance base in Strensham, to take part in a learning session with its clinicians. As the Air Ambulance is a charity, the sessions are charged with funds going towards the continuation of the vital emergency service.
Kerry Jones, Medical Student and Vice President for Inclusivity and Promotions at Worcester Emergency Medicine Society, said: “One of our core beliefs is that our events should be as accessible as possible, so we wanted to make sure nobody in the society had to pay to take part. Walking the length of the Malvern Hills was a great way to raise money for the trip.”
They added: “We’re delighted that all 25 students going on the visit will be able to attend for free, having already exceeded our £300 fundraising target. Any additional funds raised will be shared between Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and the Society.”
The Emergency Medicine Society is made up mostly of medical students at the University of Worcester’s Three Counties Medical School. While some members are exploring emergency medicine as a potential career path, others simply recognise the value of developing emergency care skills for the future, or are keen to get involved with the society’s activities.
“It was a great time,” said Kerry. “The walk took us 5 hours in total, 6 if you include our stops, but one member of the group completed it in just 3 hours because he decided to run the entire length of the hills.”
Professor Kay Mohanna, Medicine Programme Lead at the Three Counties Medical School, also joined the walk.
She said: “In a rural catchment area like the Three Counties, the Air Ambulance is a vital resource to ensure rapid assessment, stabilisation, and transfer of seriously ill patients.”
She continued: “Our medical students recognise this from their time on placement, and the distances they see patients and clinical staff as well as themselves having to cover.”
“We’re very proud of the contribution the Emergency Medicine Society has made in raising awareness and funding for this service,” added Kay. “11 miles, on uneven terrain, in less than clement weather, was a remarkable feat. It was made all the more remarkable to hear them revising and testing each other on their medical knowledge en route!”
To read more about the Worcester Emergency Medicine Society, visit its JustGiving page.
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]