Paramedic students have had the incredible opportunity to be a part of the HAVUJA – Creating traction and Increasing Attraction for Welfare sector- project, a collaborative initiative between LAB University of Applied Sciences, Sampo Vocational College, and the wellbeing services county of South Karelia. This project is not just about responding to challenges in the welfare sector; it is about revolutionizing the way we approach healthcare (LAB 2023). One of the most impactful aspects has been our outreach activities.
A journey through the HAVUJA project
The important objective of the project is to increase the appeal of South Karelian`s wellbeing sector for students (LAB 2023). One of the most rewarding aspects of our outreach efforts has been connecting with young minds. We visited Saimaa Vocational College Sampo to engage with the next generation of healthcare enthusiasts. It was an opportunity to share our passion and knowledge about social and health care services.
We discussed emergency care, asked questions related to it, and even demonstrated how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The enthusiasm and curiosity of these young students were truly inspiring. Not only did they learn from us, but we also had the chance to refresh our own minds on essential clinical practices.
Sharing and inspiration
It is globally recognised that more professional health workers are needed (WHO 2023). In the HAVUJA project various methods are used to reach potentially interested in health care professions. These outreach activities are not limited to educational institutions; they extend to recruitment event as well. In this event, we have met individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with their unique stories and motivations. We had the privilege of sharing insights about the paramedic program and the crucial role it plays in our community. The response was impressive – many were inspired to consider a career in this crucial sector.
The project’s impact has been nothing short of transformative. It is all about creating a positive brand, enhancing employers’ competence in recruitment, and presenting employment opportunities in the welfare sector to various groups, irrespective of gender, abilities, or language. By embracing inclusivity, we not only enrich our teams with different perspectives, but we also ensure that our care is tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual we serve. By fostering cooperation between public and private care providers, the project is paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic field.
In the end, this initiative is about movement towards a more robust, dynamic, and inclusive welfare sector. It is about preparing us, as paramedic students, for a future where our skills can make a difference.
Authors
Chioma Amadi is a third-year paramedic student at LAB University of Applied Sciences.
Arja Sara-aho works as Senior Lecturer at LAB University of Applied Sciences, in the Health Care Unit and as an expert in the project HAVUJA – Creating traction and Increasing Attraction for Welfare sector (LAB 2023).
References
LAB. 2023. Havuja, vetoa ja pitovoimaa hyvinvointialalle. Project. LAB University of Applied Sciences. Cited 30 Nov 2023. Available at https://lab.fi/fi/projekti/havuja-veto-ja-pitovoimaa-hyvinvointialalle
WHO. 2023. Transforming and Scaling up health professionals` education and training. World Health Organization. Cited 30 Nov 2023. Available at https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/transforming-and-scaling-up-health-professionals%E2%80%99-education-and-training
