I joined the University of Staffordshire in June 2021 following 19 years in the ambulance service. My clinical career involved responding to a wide range of medical emergencies and supporting student paramedics and colleagues to develop their clinical skills and professional confidence.
Moving into higher education allowed me to build on my experience of mentoring and training. I bring a practical understanding of frontline care to my academic role, helping connect university learning with the demands and responsibilities of paramedic practice.
As Practice Placement Lead, I work closely with university colleagues and external providers to support effective placement learning. I value clear communication, constructive partnerships and inclusive approaches that enable students to develop while maintaining professional standards.
Professional memberships and activities
- Health and Care Professions Council — Registered Paramedic
- Advance HE — Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
- College of Paramedics — Member
Academic qualifications
- MA Education
- Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education
- BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science
- Higher Education Apprenticeship
- IHCD Paramedic qualification
Expertise
- Practice placement leadership and coordination
- Partnership working with ambulance services and placement providers
- Clinical skills and pre-hospital emergency care
- Simulation-based learning
- Practice-based assessment and student progression
- Inclusive teaching and assessment
- Student mentorship and practice educator support
- Professional behaviour and preparation for registration
- Interprofessional education
- Curriculum development and assessment design
Research interests
- Simulation-based learning and assessment in paramedic education
- Inclusive teaching and assessment
- Student support and mentorship in practice-based learning
- Practice educator development and consistency in assessment
- Technology-enhanced clinical education
- Interprofessional education and collaborative learning
- Professional identity and transition into paramedic practice
- Experiences and development of early career academics
Enterprise and commercial interests
I welcome collaboration with ambulance services, healthcare providers and other organisations in practice educator development, simulation, placement quality and continuing professional development.
Teaching
I teach on the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science programme, contributing to module leadership, clinical skills teaching, simulation and assessment.
My teaching includes applied clinical practice, inclusive pre-hospital care and preparation for practice placements. I support students to develop clinical reasoning, practical skills, reflective practice and an understanding of professional responsibilities.
As Practice Placement Lead, I also work with academic colleagues and placement providers to support learning and assessment in practice.
Publications
Colthup, R.A., Johnson, G.N., Jenkins, R.J. and Runacres, J. (2025) ‘Student paramedic experiences of group-based simulation activities used in assessment: a qualitative UK study’, BMJ Open, 15, e101052.
Ross, A., Colthup, R. and Jenkins, R. (2024). ‘Publish or Perish: Barriers faced by Early Career Academics trying to find an outlet for their voice’. Innovative Practice in Higher Education, 6(1).