I am Corporal Niall Carty, Advanced Paramedic within the Central Medical Unit in the Defence Forces.
On my recent deployment to Syria in 2021, I completed my MSc EMS AP. On acceptance of my minor thesis proposal and HREC ethics exemption approved, I was lucky to commence my research using surveys and interviews conducting research from abroad.
As I was deployed in Syria, my operational commitments were balanced alongside my studies. I utilised my time to create a fine balance conducive to the completion of my research. Patrols, callouts, internal/external medical duties and regular power outages added to the pressures of getting this thesis across the line.
Liaising with the Faculty in the UCD School of Medicine EMS section was done via Zoom. Class presentations and updates continued through this platform successfully with challenging deadlines achieved accordingly. Many uncertainties including Wi-Fi connection, the instability within country and operational commitments existed. Communications and cooperation throughout the entire process of distance learning, proved not to be an obstacle to research and it proved to be an enjoyable experience overall.
The research area is one in which I am keen to progress. Research gives pre-hospital practitioners a chance to contribute in their field, with the ultimate goal of having their work published in a Peer Reviewed Journal and/or to progress their study within UCD.