THE partner of the late Dr John Hinds, a pioneering leader in the field of emergency trauma care, has told of her pride that he "continues to inspire and educate our current paramedics and first responders".
It comes after a member of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service was yesterday named the second recipient of a scholarship in honour of the popular 'Flying Doctor'.
Orla Morrow will take up a fully-funded place on the Anaesthesia Trauma and Critical Care (ATACC) course, regarded as the most advanced trauma course available worldwide.
The scholarship is presented in memory of the late Dr Hinds, who was regarded as an inspirational leader by paramedics and emergency medical technicians.
A world-renowned critical care physician, he died in a crash while providing medical cover at a Skerries 100 practice session five years ago. He gave a huge amount of his own time to educating and supporting paramedics and ambulance staff.
"To be honest, I can't quite believe I’ve won but I’m so happy and proud to have been awarded this scholarship," said Ms Morrow.
"I’m looking forward to attending the ATACC course, where I can develop my knowledge and skills in order to help me provide the best patient-centred care to people suffering traumatic injuries in a pre-hospital environment.
"I’m also really excited about taking part in the simulation events to help me gain more confidence and ultimately change my approach to trauma care to promote better assessment and treatment."
Dr Hinds’ partner, Dr Janet Acheson said: "It gives us, as a family, 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."
To qualify for the scholarship, which is presented by the College of Paramedics and the pharmaceutical company Galen, entrants were required to write a case study, written to protect patient confidentiality.
One of the judges, Bob Fellows from the college said the winning case study "showed a logical, well thought through approach to a fall in a confined space".
"The subsequent assessment, diagnosis and management to definitive care was written in a way as to demonstrate compassion and the fullest commitment to the patient in a manner we could all learn from," he said.
Dr Dennise Broderick from Galen said: "This award is a fantastic opportunity for healthcare professionals to advance their personal expertise and gain access to a highly coveted training programme.
"Dr Hinds was an incredibly inspirational individual who dedicated his life to helping others and Galen is immensely proud to support this annual scholarship programme in his honour."
