The opportunity is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and is aimed at giving the doctors of the future a learning opportunity on the front line.

All other modules at Queen's focus on the hospital setting - but students have welcomed the chance to take this new placement.

"It was exciting because it was a novelty to me," said Barbara Fullerton, who was part of one group of third year students have already completed the scheme.

"But I could really see what hard work it is for the ambulance crews and you know just going from one call to another it is kind of relentless."

The students were trained by paramedics and even went on duty with ambulance crews for a number of 12 hour shifts.

Nigel Ruddell of the NIAS said it was a great chance for them to gain an insight into the work that goes on beyond the hospital doors.

"Our crews are involved in treating many patients every day and handing them over to the care of the hospitals, but few medical staff have a real appreciation to just what happens outside the hospital doors," Assistant Medical Director Mr Ruddell told UTV.

"This was a chance for us to give some medical students an insight into the kind of work we do and the difference treating patients before they get to hospital and what this has on their ultimate outcome."

Dr James Murray, Director of clinical skills at QUB, believes that in the long run the concept of sharing knowledge can improve the health service's handling of emergency situations.

"It is extremely important," he said.

"Not only does it show them what happens in the real world apart from the clinical skills arena but it also gives them an insight into how the paramedics work and what their issues are."

Queen's University said this pilot project is one they are very keen to expand on.

They aim to double their intake of students for the module if resources permit.