A registrant's story - Finding the why in CPD (Andrew Ormerod)

Andrew Ormerod is a registered paramedic and founder of CPDme, one of a number of CPD tools that support registrants with CPD. Here, he shares his journey to realising the importance of CPD.

My journey into healthcare began with a deep-seated desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of people during their most critical moments. The immediacy and intensity of providing care as a paramedic drew me in—knowing that my actions could significantly impact someone's survival and recovery has always been a powerful motivator.

I've experienced a variety of roles within the ambulance service, ranging from paramedic to advanced practitioner to clinical lead, witnessing first-hand the evolving landscape of roles within an NHS Ambulance Service.

What drives me each day is the opportunity to make a difference, even in a small way. In this line of work, no two days are the same, and every shift presents new challenges that push paramedics to be at their best. Of course, the job isn't without its challenges. The high-stress environment, coupled with the unpredictability of each day, can take a toll.

Managing that pressure, staying resilient, and continuing to provide high-quality care requires constant learning and self-improvement. That’s where continuous professional development (CPD) plays a pivotal role.

Perspective shifting

CPD has been an integral part of my journey as a paramedic, and my approach to it has evolved over the years. Now I know that it’s about staying ahead of the curve, embracing new techniques, and continuously reflecting on how to provide the best care possible.

Early in my career, like many practitioners, I viewed CPD primarily as a requirement — something that needed to be completed to maintain my registration. My perspective shifted dramatically through being involved in high-profile cases and responding to major incidents.

At three points in my career, my CPD has proved pivotal, as my records could speak to my professional competence and decision-making; without it my credibility would have been significantly lower. And without the CPD itself, I would have been significantly less prepared – both mentally and technically – for the critical situations themselves.

The first was during an investigation related to the Manchester Arena Inquiry, looking at the 2017 attack and the emergency service response. The second occurred during a coroner’s inquiry when I had stepped beyond standard clinical guidelines in an attempt to save a patient’s life. The third was for my promotion to a Senior Clinical Lead—a career milestone and the highest level within the command structure that I aspired to achieve.

My experiences led me to realise that CPD isn’t just about fulfilling obligations. It's about ensuring that, in the heat of a moment, you're equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond effectively.

I started seeing CPD as a tool for empowerment, a way to strengthen not only my practice but also my resilience in demanding situations.

Removing barriers and finding purpose

Being able to effectively organise your experiences might sound small, but it can make all the difference. They say they when you ‘log it’, you can ‘learn it’, and I’ve certainly found that to be true. But, for a multitude of reasons, many in the healthcare sector struggle to effectively organise their learning experiences.

Alongside a number of other tools, CPDme exists to help with this. The idea for CPDme was to create a straightforward and quick way for professionals to record their activities, reflect on their experiences, and demonstrate their ongoing commitment to professional development.

By helping people to realise how simple it can be, I believe the platform has helped shift perspectives on CPD, from being a chore to being an integral part of everyday practice.

I believe that fostering a culture of learning, self-reflection, and proactive development is key to ensuring that healthcare professionals are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Above all else, if there is one key message I have for healthcare professionals it is:

CPD isn't just about acquiring certificates or ticking boxes. It’s about preparing yourself for the unexpected, building confidence in your abilities, and ultimately delivering the highest level of care when it matters most.

In my journey, CPD has provided a foundation for growth, adaptation, and resilience. It has helped me stay current in a rapidly changing field and has been a cornerstone of my professional identity as a paramedic.

The HCPC does not have a required format for recording CPD or endorse any tools for doing so.

More insights for employers