Collaborative training with ambulance service NHS trusts

Creating opportunities for pre-hospital emergency care Army medical staff to maintain their clinical and medical management skills whilst in barracks has always been a challenge for Commanding Officers. In the past there have been informal relationships between some units and Ambulance Trusts; however, these have usually faltered and been seen as unsustainable. Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between 5 General Support Medical Regiment and the North West and Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trusts, using the Ministry of Defence/Department of Health Concordat as a backdrop, has hopefully created a more formal training relationship which will produce a sustainable collaboration to create training opportunities for both parties. This article highlights the training opportunities available, the factors to consider in planning MoUs and the benefits to be gained.