Ursula Rolfe

Ursula Rolfe is Associate Professor in Paramedic Science at Bournemouth University, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and serves as Deputy Head of the Department of Midwifery and Health Sciences. She is also the Academic Lead for Practice Simulation and holds an active clinical role as an advanced paramedic prescriber within the NHS. Her interdisciplinary work bridges academia, clinical practice, and national policy development.

Education:

• PhD in Paramedic Practice, University of Southampton (2018)
• BSc (Hons) in Urgent and Emergency Care, Bournemouth University (2012)
• PGCE in Education, Open University (2010)
• MPhil in Media Management, Stellenbosch University (2001)
• BA (Hons) in Psychology and English, Stellenbosch University (1998)

Her research centers on mental health in emergency and prehospital care, with a strong emphasis on paramedic decision-making, inter-professional education, and simulation-based training. She explores how paramedics manage patients with mental health issues, the integration of health promotion in emergency settings, and the use of virtual and 360-degree simulations for education. Her work often employs qualitative and ethnographic methods to understand real-world clinical behaviors.

The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on mental health, simulation, and emergency care education. Trends include the use of innovative technologies like VR and 360-video for training, systematic and scoping reviews on mental health management, and studies on CPR skill retention. Her interdisciplinary approach spans emergency medicine, psychology, education, and public health.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Fellow of the College of Paramedics (2023)
• Nominated for Bournemouth University VC Staff Awards (2013, 2014)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Ursula leads and contributes to significant research grants, including the promotED study (NIHR-funded) on health promotion in emergency departments and internal VR research (VSXR). She supervises research and educational projects, particularly in simulation and mental health. Her external roles include consultancy with NHS England, Health Education England, and serving as an external examiner for Plymouth and Robert Gordon Universities.

She is actively involved in professional development through leadership in the College of Paramedics, where she is the national mental health lead, and contributes to curriculum design and editorial boards. Her team collaborates on immersive learning projects, including the development of reusable 360-degree simulation resources for child and adolescent mental health and mass casualty scenarios.