A COURSE to train air ambulance crews in the North-East is attracting worldwide interest even before it has started.

There have been inquiries from as far afield as Kuwait about sending students to the University of Teesside, in Middlesbrough, to study for a University Certificate in Advanced Professional Develop- ment (UCAPD) in Helicopter Emergency Care.

The course has been designed by Teesside's flying doctor with the Great North Air Ambulance Service, Dr Syed Masud.

It is the first of its kind in the UK.

Dr Masud recently featured in a regional television documentary about the Great North Air Ambulance, which he regularly accompanies on flights as a specialist registrar in accident and emergency medicine.

He said: "I passionately believe that for air ambulances to flourish in the UK, they must work in conjunction with other medical and emergency personnel to improve patient care at the roadside.''

As a medical student, the 29-year-old doctor worked with the London Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (Hems).

Before taking up his post as the region's leading Hems doctor, he was in the British Army for ten years.

During his time with the military, he served with the 16 Air Assault Medical Regiment, in Northern Ireland and the Balkans.

Jenny Kell, senior lecturer in nursing at the University of Teesside, said: "The course is aimed at all personnel who work for the air ambulance service in a medical capacity, such as doctors, nurses, military personnel and paramedics.

"It will ensure that everybody is familiar with each other's role in different incidents, from road traffic accidents to mountain rescue.

"This intensive course will involve a co-ordinated tri-service approach - police, fire and ambulance.

"Students will work practically in a variety of locations, with Cleveland Police's firearms unit and road traffic unit, and Tyne and Wear's Fire Ambulance Service.

"Each emergency scene involves a different type of service. The course will give the student knowledge and skills to approach these varied situations.

"For example, in a chemical hazard you need to know what the fire brigade are doing so you can fit in with them.''

The course will run for four weeks full-time and costs £4,000 per student.

The first course will start in April.