Could you be a life-saver?

The 999 Academy, part of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust, is currently seeking out new recruits with nerves of steel who could handle the kind of pressure the emergency services deal with on a daily basis like a road traffic accident or a major trauma situation.

999 Academy lead officer for South Western Ambulance Service, Ian Dawson, said: "This is a unique course that combines three emergency services with Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust all under one roof at Petroc College, Barnstaple.

"We wanted to create a balance between education and practical experiences with the students leaving the Academy with some certificated skills but also with the ability to sit in front of an interviewing panel and blow them away with tales of leading teams in pursuit of criminals, triaging major medical emergencies, rescuing people from a smoke-filled room or stuck up to their armpits in mud.

"From previous courses we've had a number go onto to train as full time paramedics, police officers, nurses and defence medics and this is wonderful to see the future heroes coming through into the emergency blue light professions."

This joint emergency services Academy programme is set up to inspire young people to become valued and respected members of our community whilst developing the transferrable skills which employers and higher education providers are looking for on a CV. The course is part-time in the evenings and can run alongside daily studies or commitments.

The 999 Academy remains at the forefront in delivering practical skills to young people, having branched out to Bridgwater & Taunton College in 2017. Other locations for further courses are being developed across the southwest.

The mission statement of the 999 Academy is 'to provide knowledge and skills for individuals by raising aspirations and promoting a positive image and using the following core values'.

Young people wishing to apply should download an application at petroc.ac.uk/students/academies-clubs/999-academy