COVID-19 is having a profound effect on student paramedics. This commentary aims to explore and discuss how student paramedics have been affected by COVID -19 and seeks to identify the perceived impact of this experience.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to detail the experiences, perspectives and emerging framework for the delivery of library services by member libraries of the College Libraries Information Network (COLINET) at the onset and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jamaica. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory sequential mixed approach was used for this study. Qualitative data was collected initially using a semi-structured interview with a virtual focus group comprising seven librarians from the COLINET in Jamaica. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants for the focus group. The second phase of data collection used an online survey through Google Forms to the membership of COLINET; 19 of 31 libraries (61.2%) responded to the survey. Findings The findings reveal the current status of library operation and service delivery at the COLINET member libraries. The impact of COVID-19 on staffing arrangements, support and engagement, library resources and services are seen through the lens of the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic. Research limitations/implications In total, 19 of the 31 libraries in COLINET responded to the survey; therefore, the researchers were unable to get a comprehensive assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on COLINET libraries. Practical implications This study will assist libraries in their response to COVID-19 and other similar future national public health crises. The findings and recommendations can provide a blueprint for developing policies and procedures for libraries during a national health crisis. Additionally, it will add to the empirical literature on Caribbean libraries. Originality/value This study is essential for libraries responding to the coronavirus pandemic in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region. This study examines the response of academic libraries from diverse tertiary institutions; exploring their challenges, solutions and emerging frameworks; making it representative and inclusive for academic libraries. This study advances the limited research that exists with regard to Caribbean libraries and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction The effect of COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns on education has been discussed broadly in both the media and among academics, however its true effects on paramedicine students and their ability to attend in-person lectures, skill sessions and clinical placements has not been widely researched. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on a group of paramedicine students at an Australian university. Methods A cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of first and second year paramedicine students was undertaken to explore their perceived experiences of COVID-19 through both qualitative and quantitative responses. Results A total of 83 paramedicine students from Griffith University in Queensland participated in the survey, demonstrating an 84.7% response rate. Of the participants, 78.3% (n=65) disagreed that online workshop sessions were as valuable as face-to-face sessions. Similarly, the majority of participants (61.5%, n=51) disagreed that online lectures and tutorials were as beneficial as in-person equivalents. A further 61.4% (n=51) of students agreed that COVID-19-associated lockdowns had negatively impacted their ability to formulate strong personal relationships that are important for university, however 78.3% of students agreed that communication platforms assisted in maintaining some form of social interaction. Conclusion The results from this study demonstrate that the educational and social impacts of COVID-19 on paramedicine students were highly diverse, and were contingent on several factors including but not limited to: year of study, learning style, previously established social connections and extenuating life circumstances.