National College of Paramedics Student of the Year Award Presented to Lincoln Student

The College of Paramedics Student of the Year Award celebrates exceptional contributions to the profession made by current third-year students nationwide and this year has been granted to East Midlands student Chloe Keeping.

Chloe is the first in her family to study at university and has consistently exceeded expectations irrespective of the challenges presented to her. Since her first year at the University of Lincoln, UK, she has stood as the course representative for her cohort before being selected as one of 50 Allied Health Professionals (AHP) and nursing students to enrol on the Student Leadership Programme in her third year.

Within her role at the College of Paramedics, Chloe promoted greater wellbeing for healthcare workers by formulating the #DriveItOut campaign. This culminated in a webinar series advocating for safer working environments within the ambulance service, particularly in reference to inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment.

Chloe is taking up a full-time role as a Newly Qualified Paramedic across Lincoln, Gainsborough, and Market Rasen while studying part-time to achieve a MSc in Public Health from the University of Edinburgh. These endeavours support her ultimate goal of returning to the University of Lincoln as an Associate Lecturer.

Chloe said: “It was a big shock to win the award, but I’m delighted to have been recognised on a national scale. It’s filled me with confidence as I enter my new role and hope to continue making a difference to the paramedic profession.”

Chloe has also been open about struggles she has experienced with her mental health during her final year of studying, due to the impacts of the pandemic, changes to the ambulance service and big changes in her personal life. However, through honest communication with her programme lead, Sarah Christopher, she was supported to ensure that these difficulties did not hamper her ability to carry out her extensive extra-curricular activities and secure a first class in her degree from the University.

Sarah Christopher, Lead for Paramedic Science, said: “What Chloe has achieved whilst studying paramedic science full time at the University of Lincoln is absolutely incredible: being part of the NHS leadership programme, research projects around wellbeing, active involvement with the College of Paramedics, acting as Student Ambassador and still finding time to mentor and help newer students.

“She is a credit to the University, the paramedic profession and East Midlands Ambulance Service where she soon starts work as a paramedic.

“We could not be prouder of this inspirational young woman and wish her every success as she goes on to study her Master’s in Public Health and plans to return to the University as Associate Lecturer.”