Senior Lecturer in Paramedic Science and Allied Health

I am an experienced Operating Department Practitioner with a specialist interest in simulation-based education. With more than 30 years of experience across emergency, trauma, and surgical care, I bring both clinical depth and educational leadership to my teaching practice. During my time as a Simulation Education Facilitator within a busy NHS Postgraduate Education Centre, I led the expansion of simulation services from a limited offer to a diverse portfolio of 28 courses, supporting interdisciplinary training across the Oxford Deanery.

My current academic focus is on designing and delivering simulation that mirrors the unpredictable and complex nature of modern paramedic practice. This includes immersive, scenario-based education that develops students' clinical judgement, interpersonal communication, and resilience under pressure. By closely aligning simulation with real-world ambulance service demands, I support student paramedics in the critical transition from theory to practice. My aim is to cultivate adaptable, reflective practitioners who are clinically safe, operationally prepared, and capable of navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of the prehospital environment, supported by evidence-based practice.

Qualifications

• MA (Merit): History of Medicine (Merit) – Oxford Brookes
• BSc Hons: Acute and Critical Peri-Operative Practice – University of Bedfordshire
• PG Cert THE (Commendation) – University of Bedfordshire

Teaching Expertise

• Practice Educator
• Simulation Education Facilitator Post Graduate Education Centre BHT
• FHEA

Research Interests

• Transformation and integration of simulation-based education within pre-hospital practice.

External Roles

• Cross-sector and ambulance placement link lecturer.

Publications

• Sargent, R (2011) Obesity and Trauma: Discussion of a Situation from Practice. Technic: The Journal of Operating Department Practice May 2011 Volume 2 Issue 3
• J. Moorhouse, J. Shilston, M. Robbins and R. Sargent, ‘I need a doctor in here now’! Using Simulation to Improve Confidence in Tomorrows Foundation Doctors’ Acute Care Skills. Anaesthesia 2016, 71, 7-66 (AAGBI)
• Transforming Paramedic Education Through Simulation Based Learning. Paramedic Insight Journal, June 2025. College of Paramedics

Contact Details

E: Richard.sargent@beds.ac.uk