A PARAMEDIC has been chosen as the winner of a scholarship named in memory of the late Dr John Hinds - a leader in the field of emergency trauma care.
Edel Mullen of the National Ambulance Service in the Republic will take up a fully-funded place on the Anaesthesia Trauma and Critical Care (ATACC) course, broadly accepted as the most advanced trauma course available worldwide.
She said it was "such a great honour" to receive the Dr John Hinds Scholarship Award.
The College of Paramedics presents the award in memory of Dr Hinds, who was regarded as an inspirational leader by paramedics and emergency medical technicians.
A world-renowned critical care physician from Newtownards, he died aged 35 in a crash while providing medical cover at a Skerries 100 practice session in 2015. He gave a huge amount of his own time to educating and supporting paramedics and ambulance staff throughout Ireland.
Ms Mullen said: "I have always had a passion for first aid, and through volunteer work with a local rescue group, I was able to expand my knowledge in first aid and patient care.
"From there, I pursued a career in pre-hospital emergency care and recently qualified as a paramedic.
"John Hinds' name is mentioned frequently and now to receive the award named after him is such a great honour. I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to attend the ATACC course."
A spokesperson for the Hinds family said it provides "such comfort and pride that the Dr John Hinds scholarship award continues to inspire and educate our current paramedics and first responders".
"John had such enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and passing on his expertise so that his colleagues could gain new insights which would ultimately benefit patients and save lives."
