Bryluen Cowling

I have worked as a cover swim teacher as part of the Winchester team alongside my studies for 2 1/2 years. My role involves producing engaging lessons for children and young people between the ages of 4 and 16 including smaller group or individual sessions for those with individual needs. This requires a range of skills including organisation, communication and leadership.

Provided pitch-side first aid and injury management during training and matches, supported players through rehabilitation and return-to-play planning, and collaborated with physiotherapists, S&C coaches and medical staff. Gained practical experience in sports taping, soft tissue techniques and clinical reasoning in an elite female rugby environment.

Worked within the multidisciplinary ICU team delivering respiratory and rehabilitation interventions for critically ill patients, including A–E assessments, airway clearance techniques, early mobilisation and functional rehabilitation. Developed confidence in using specialist equipment, clinical reasoning for complex cases, and adapting care to meet individual patient needs in a high-pressure environment.

Working alongside the sports therapist, I volunteered my time for preseason, providing support and care to the first and second team rugby players. This included injury management and rehabilitation, massage therapy, pre-match taping and pitchside cover.

Working as part of the therapy team for the Bournemouth 7's, I worked as part of a team to provide a range of services including pre and post event massage, taping and warm up/cool down exercises with a range of athletes across a number of sports.

During this placement, I worked alongside another student within the Solent NHS trust to observe and participate in a number of meetings and conferences alongside the senior leadership team. We also undertook a quality improvement project to improve the experience for band 5 physiotherapists undertaking their rotations.

Working within a team of MSK physiotherapists, I provided assessment and treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Independently undertaking subjective and objective assessments and developing comprehensive treatment plans with education, I improved on my independent clinical reasoning skills, as well as working with the rest of the team to discuss more complex patients. I also had the opportunity to observe both spinal and women's health physiotherapist's which allowed me to gain a unique insight into some specialist area's of the profession.

I worked as a member of the therapy team for the Portsmouth Great South Run providing post event massage to the runners.

This placement allowed me to become confident in my A-E assessments of a patient and develop my respiratory skills including auscultation and a variety of treatment techniques in patients who required frequent airway clearance. It also allowed me to develop vital skills within a hospital environment, using specialist equipment. I was able to use a more personalised approach to each patient as they were often in for longer stays, which meant I developed rapport with them and therefore provided patient centered care.

I provided group and individual swimming lessons to children between the ages of 4 and 16. Duties when lifeguarding included supervising the pool, providing high levels of customer service to members of the public and maintaining and providing first aid services.