International Paramedics Day: hear from the paramedics of the North East Ambulance Service

Newly qualified paramedic, Isobel McMillan qualified as a paramedic in October 2023. Prior to qualifying, she studied occupational therapy at university whilst working as a support worker, specialising in supporting adults with autism and challenging behaviours.  

She said: “I’ve always been driven by a desire to help people in critical moments and make a real difference in their lives. My background and experiences supporting adults with complex needs deepened my understanding of compassionate, person-centred care. Becoming a paramedic felt like a natural next step — it combines my passion for healthcare with a fast-paced, hands-on environment where I can apply my skills to support people in urgent and often life-changing situations. 

“As a paramedic, ‘community’ means more than just the area. It represents the people, families, and lives that I’m entrusted to protect and care for. It’s about building trust, offering support in moments of crisis, and being a dependable presence during someone’s most vulnerable times. Community means connection, compassion, and responsibility—working not only to save lives, but also to strengthen the overall health and resilience of those around me.” 

Kyle has worked at NEAS for 10 years, starting his career in patient transport and worked his way through to qualifying as a paramedic in 2024.  

Kyle said: “Leaving school like many people, I didn't know what I wanted to do or where my life would lead me and that's ok. However, I believe what paved the way to health care was and lead me to become a paramedic was when I was younger, my sister who suffers with MS (multiple sclerosis) had an ambulance attend to her when she was unwell prior the diagnosis. The care that they gave was second to none so that I believe planted a little seed in my head. 

“Community to me means always being there. It means the service, being there for our patients across the entire region. No matter if it’s 1pm or 1am, in the rain, snow, or heat, we go. We go because someone in our community needs us on what might be the worst day of their lives.  With this I carry this deep sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of my community.” 

Beth qualified as a paramedic in 2023 after completing her degree. Prior to her career in paramedicine, she worked in hospitality and studied healthcare and biology whilst volunteering at hospitals and local schools to gain experience working in a public facing role.  

She said: “I became interested in being a paramedic from a young age. After seeing how the ambulance service cared for my nana, their skills and kindness inspired me to want to help others in the same way. I've always been drawn to working with the public and making a difference and I love being out in the community, never quite knowing what each day will bring. 

“Community to me means being there for people beyond emergencies, treating everyone with respect and compassion. As paramedics, we are part of the communities we serve, working locally, and building trust and positive relationships. It's also about supporting each other as colleagues as together we face unique challenges and stresses of our role.” 

Rob Enser is a duty officer in the North division, working out of the Cramlington station. He joined the East of England Ambulance Service (known as East Anglian Ambulance Service at the time) in 1999. 

He initially joined the ambulance service as a trainee advanced technician and qualified a year later. Rob gained multiple qualifications prior to joining NEAS which ultimately lead him to qualifying a paramedic in 2004. In late 2005, he left Norfolk and moved to the North East and joined NEAS. Following a period of relief, he settled as a community paramedic in Wooler where he remained in post in 2015. During this time, he was seconded into clinical lead post and then into the clinical team leader post as we see it today. Then in 2024, he was successfully appointed as duty officer for the North division. 

He said: “I always wanted to join the Police, however for one reason or another, this didn’t happen, and I eventually started considering a career in the Ambulance Service, following in my father's footsteps. I quickly found it to be a very rewarding career, full of ups and downs with lots of opportunities to progress. At the time, the Ambulance Service was undergoing quite radical change which led to the introduction of more opportunities for paramedics instead of just the historic Ambulance, RRV or managerial roles. However, the best thing about the role is that you never know what’s around the corner. 

“The duty officer role is very diverse and requires a knowledge of all the different support roles in the service. It may require working closely with EOC to keep crews on the road, supporting crew welfare via occupational health to working with the patient safety team to support crews if complaints are made by the public. 

“The staff within the service are the community, they are NEAS. They work tirelessly to provide the North East with excellent patient care and also the best response times in the country. I have seen the core ambulance work change over the years. Responsibilities have changed and so have expectations, yet together the crews continue to face these challenges together.” 

Strategic head of EPRR (emergency, preparedness, resilience and response), Stu Holliday joined NEAS from the Probation Service in 2005, starting as an advanced technician before becoming a paramedic in 2008. Then in 2010, Stu moved to HART (Hazardous Area Response Team) where he undertook a variety of roles. He then went on to become an urgent care advanced practitioner for NEAS, then moving to the service manager for the clinical assessment service before leaving the Trust to become a directorate manager for South Tyneside and Sunderland Foundation Trust. However, he remained on the bank as a paramedic and returned to NEAS in 2021, becoming Strategic Head of EPRR. 

This year’s theme is ‘unity and community’ and a large part of EPRR is supporting every area of NEAS as they develop their planning and response to service disruption, or potential threats to delivery. He said: “We also work with ambulance colleagues across the UK and the devolved nations in identifying risks to operations, be it cyber, terrorism, pandemic or civil disorder for example, and develop joint responses and guidance. For every substantial incident, critical incident and major incident there will be staff trained to manage or command. EPRR supports the delivery of all of this through advice, training, planning, coordination, assurance and learning from incidents. 

“To me a community is like a tapestry woven together from lots of individual threads but working together to achieve a bigger picture. There is a lot of focus now on community 'resilience', and we are working with partners in the Local Resilience Form to understand how we can better engage with individual groups and residents to help them prepare and respond to emergencies and use our services better. No two days are the same and I am surrounded by an excellent team who work hard to make sure we can continue to deliver first class patient care no matter what.” 

Head of operations for the central division, Chris Chalmers initially completed his nursing training before he started his paramedic career with the Scottish Ambulance Service in 2002 as a technician before qualifying as a paramedic in 2007. Chris started working at NEAS in 2003 and has worked within a range of roles across including being a community paramedic, emergency care clinical manager, clinical operations manager and locality manager. 

Chris said: “I have always wanted to be a paramedic from being a child. I can remember watching a crew at a road traffic incident and thought I want to do that. I absolutely love the diversity of being a paramedic. You never know what each day will bring and that is still true now. I still respond regularly and keep my practice up to date. Being in a management position now as a paramedic gives me the opportunity to make improvements and look at different ways of working to provide the best possible service and care to our patients. 

“Community is the heart of everything we do. We at NEAS are a community serving the people of the North East and visitors to our region. This makes me proud to wear the badge and be part of an amazing team who work tirelessly 24/7, 365 days a year.”  

Advanced paramedic in emergency care, Rachael Cooper qualified as a paramedic in 2017 but has worked for NEAS since 2009. Originating in emergency operations centre working on the bed register before moving over to PTS (patient transport service). She then enrolled onto the emergency care technician diploma working as an emergency care technician (ECT) operationally before progressing onto my paramedic training. After qualifying and progressing through various roles within teaching, Rachael commenced her new role as trainee advanced practitioner for emergency care in 2024 working towards by MSc in advanced clinical practice (ACP) with Northumbria University. 

She said: “I didn't initially set out to train as a paramedic; I just wanted to help people. I wanted to gain some vital skills that would mean I could be useful in a crisis no matter where I was. The more I learnt about pre-hospital care, the more interested I became, and I wanted to challenge myself further which is why I undertook the ECT and paramedic training, and now my ACP training. I wanted to develop my skills and knowledge so I could deliver a high level of care to the public, the level of care that they deserve. 

“I work with lots of different departments within the trust, lots of people play very key roles in clinical development and it's important that we work together, building upon each other's strengths and experiences. As an advanced practitioner in emergency care, we are the link between operational management and crews, and the clinical directorate. We can promote learning and advocate for improvements that will benefit our patients. 

“To me, community is best demonstrated in the simple acts of kindness we see on a daily basis. Strangers stopping to help someone who has an accident. Neighbours popping in to make sure those who are vulnerable are well taken care of. Bystanders carrying out lifesaving CPR even though they are frightened and unprepared. We see how people care for one another every single day, no matter their differences. That is something we should be proud of and never forget the importance of. The greatness of a community is measured by the compassionate acts of others.” 

Strategic education lead at Dukesway, Daniel Cooper first qualified as a paramedic in 2010. He started in the ambulance service in 2006 joining as an advanced technician where he initially worked across the north division. After a brief break in 2019, Dan returned to NEAS in 2020 as clinical education officer, then progressed into education development lead role and more latterly into the strategic education lead role.  

Dan said: “I enjoy my current role as it gives me the opportunity to influence the l direction of education both within the trust and more widely across the system and sector. I get the opportunity to work alongside incredibly gifted colleagues and system partners who all bring innovative ideas and great enthusiasm to paramedic education. 

“Education is at the heart of the Ambulance Service, giving our colleagues the opportunity to develop, to realise their potential and progress in their careers is fundamental to an engaged, driven workforce that is committed to supporting service users. We work with clinical colleagues, operational colleagues, support service colleagues across a wide range of service lines, as well as external partners across education and clinical sectors, to ensure that we can deliver the best educational opportunities to our workforce, satisfy the strategic aims of the Trust and meet the needs of the patient.” 

Specialist paramedic in critical care, Jack Beattie qualified as a paramedic in 2015. He joined the NHS at aged 18 as a hospital porter and joined NEAS in 2013 as a student paramedic. Jack qualified as a paramedic in 2015 and as a specialist paramedic in emergency care in 2019. In 2020 he completed a post-graduate diploma in Advanced Paramedic Practice and then in 2014 he changed jobs to a Specialist Paramedic (Critical Care). 

Jack said: “I enjoy environments where I can collaborate with a diverse range of colleagues, especially in high-pressure and challenging situations. In my role as an SPCC, I am involved in the care of some of the most critically ill patients, each facing unique and often complex health issues. These patients require a tailored, individualised approach to ensure they receive the most effective care possible. 

“Caring for the most critically ill or injured patients often demands an enhanced and highly coordinated response where teamwork is essential. This begins with collaboration among health advisors, dispatchers, and the critical care paramedic within the emergency operations centre (EOC). Once on scene, the critical care paramedic plays a central role in coordinating patient care alongside ambulance crews and additional specialised resources such as EVAC (evacuation team), HART (hazardous area response team), or HEMS (Great North Air Ambulance Service helicopter).” 

Clinical audit team leader, Rachel Barrigan joined NEAS in 2004 as an advanced technician and then qualified as a paramedic in 2011.  

She said: “I gained a lot of experience during my role as advanced technician for several years and then went on to do the foundation degree in paramedic science and qualified as a paramedic working predominantly on Rapid Response. In 2018 I started working in the clinical audit team as a clinical auditor and at the end of last year I became the clinical audit team leader. 

“What I enjoy most about being Clinical Audit Team Leader is the ability to make a difference to patient care through evidence-based insights and structured learning. I take pride in identifying areas where clinical practice is being undertaken well but also where it can be improved, working collaboratively with teams across the Trust, and seeing those improvements implemented in ways that directly benefit patients and staff. We also work with a wide range of colleagues across the Trust from frontline clinicians and operational managers to education teams, governance leads, research, end of life team, medicines, patient safety and the senior clinical leadership team. 

“Additionally, I find satisfaction in mentoring and supporting colleagues helping them understand the ‘why’ behind audit work and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement. The role allows me to use my clinical knowledge, leadership skills and analytical mindset in equal measure, which is both challenging and rewarding. 

“To me, community means connection, collaboration and shared accountability. It's not just about data or compliance; it’s about building relationships across all roles within the Trust and the whole healthcare system to improve patient outcomes. Community in clinical audit fosters trust, learning and continuous improvement together.” 

Consultant paramedic for urgent care, Danielle Clark joined Yorkshire Ambulance Service in 2008 through the student paramedic programme and then qualified in 2010. 

Danielle said: “Before becoming a paramedic, I spent a decade working as an airport duty manager, this involved looking after the daily terminal operations and passenger flow. It definitely helped me to learn communication skills and how to stay calm under pressure. On my second ever shift after being promoted to duty manager a plane skidded off the end of the runway. No-one was injured but it caused significant delays! 

“As a paramedic, I’ve always been drawn to urgent care—particularly minor illness/injury, frailty, and end-of-life care. I’ve found these areas more rewarding than the traditional trauma-based perception of paramedic work. My career has followed a “portfolio” path, blending clinical roles with education, workforce development, and service improvement projects. I’ve been fortunate to work in a wide range of settings—from care homes, EDs, and minor injury units to GP surgeries and urgent community response teams—and have supported universities and education providers along the way. 

“Before joining NEAS, I worked on several initiatives that placed paramedics in innovative roles. That variety has been key in shaping how I now approach urgent care from both a clinical and strategic perspective. 

“At NEAS, I’m fortunate to work alongside a diverse and skilled urgent care team that includes not only paramedics, but also nurses, senior clinical advisors, advanced practitioners, GPs, doctors, and pharmacists— within both the clinical advice service and operations teams. 

“As consultant paramedic, I also focus on fostering collaboration beyond the ambulance service, working with NHS system stakeholders to align urgent care and support integrated, patient-centred care across services and settings. 

“NEAS is a genuinely supportive and forward-thinking community, where people are open to innovation and committed to delivering excellent patient care. For me, community means building trust, acting with shared purpose, and making care feel personal—even in a complex system.” 

Clinical lead for digital development, Georgina Campbell qualified as a paramedic 2018. Starting off as a technician for the British Red Cross, Georgina then trained as a student paramedic at Teesside University and then went on to progress through NEAS where she has recently stepped into the role as clinical lead for digital development. 

She said: “I am very new to my current role but very excited at the possibilities it brings and the opportunity to drive positive change within the organisation. I am looking forward to hearing from people from across NEAS and hopefully implementing some suggestions to make improvements to the digital technology we use to provide patient care. I think this role will unite clinical and digital teams and hopefully improve the way we communicate and make changes in the future. 

“Community is very important to encouraging a positive culture within the organisation. I plan to work with teams from across the whole of NEAS to develop a community of learning and development using digital solutions to solve the problems we all face.” 

Clinical team leader (CTL), Paul Purvis joined NEAS in 2017 as an emergency care technician (now called ambulance support practitioner) and then qualified as a paramedic in 2021. Prior to NEAS, Paul had a career in aviation where he worked in multiple roles from checking flights in and then moving to cabin crew for British Airways. 

He said: “I always wanted to be a Paramedic but when doing my A-levels I had a strong dislike for Biology so I thought I would never be a Paramedic. Fast forward 10 years and when I went back to university as a mature student I finally qualified in the role and have never looked back. 

“I am relatively new to the CTL role, but I absolutely love it, it is such a varied role and gives a new dimension to being a paramedic. I can support colleagues on scene and from the emergency operations centre (EOC) as well develop newly qualified paramedics as they start on their journey with help on their portfolio and practice. 

“Being a CTL gives me the privilege of working more closely with colleagues from the EOC and other areas of operational management. This helps to develop a one team approach within NEAS and better supports our values.” 

Consultant paramedic in emergency care, Dan Haworth started his paramedic career in 2000 as an ambulance technician with Sussex Ambulance Service. He then transferred to the Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service (TENYAS), and later became part of the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) following its merger with TENYAS in 2006. 

After qualifying as a paramedic in 2004, he undertook a variety of roles that have given him a broad career across paramedicine — including Clinical team leader, clinical education officer, clinical support officer and clinical practice manager. Then in 2017, he stepped into the role of consultant paramedic.   

He said: “I enjoy that no two days are ever the same. Whether I’m supporting a new clinical development, advising the patient safety team, co-designing education or presenting evidence at coroner’s court, the variety keeps me challenged and motivated. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to help shape the future of out-of-hospital care both within our region but also at the national level. I also take great satisfaction in mentoring others and supporting talented colleagues in their development. 

“Collaboration is the cornerstone of what I do. I work closely with teams across NEAS and the wider healthcare system; clinical leads, operational leaders and frontline clinicians, to improve patient pathways, enhance safety, and promote shared learning.  There is a quote by Mother Teresa that resonates with me “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot: together we can do great things. 

“When I think of community, I think of both the patients we care for and the people we work alongside. For me, it means creating a culture of support, learning, and mutual respect — where every voice matters, and everyone feels part of something bigger. Whether it’s a community first responder, a newly qualified paramedic, experienced paramedic or a specialist clinician, we all share the same mission; to deliver the best possible care to every patient we meet.” 

First contact practitioner and advanced paramedic practitioner, Adam Robinson qualified as a paramedic in 2013 and has worked at a number of ambulance services across the country. Since joining NEAS, he progressed and completed the FCP PGVert qualification and gaining independent prescribing status 

Adam said: “My passion is music, and it was all I ever wanted to do since I was young. I finished my A levels and had a place at Sunderland University to study music production with the aim to make music for TV/film. It was during the summer holidays before starting university that a group of us went away to celebrate getting our Uni places, when a friend was hit by a car with serious injuries. I'll never forget the reassurance and inspiration I felt from the ambulance's arrival and from that point I realised I wanted to give that reassurance I felt to others.” 

To link into this years’ theme of unity and community, Adam explained more about his role and how he collaborates with others: “The collaboration work occurs mainly when working in CAS (clinical assessment service) as there are a range of different clinicians that work together as a team. The team consists of paramedics, nurses, pharmacists and GP's and we all have different experiences within our professional careers and know we don't know everything. We draw on the experience of our colleagues to aid our decision making with a 'can I just grab your thoughts on this...'   We all ask that question and get asked that question on a daily basis to ensure the best outcome for our patients.” 

Laura qualified as a paramedic in 2016 but started working at NEAS 16 years ago as a dual trained 999 and 111 call handler. She then progressed into the role of pathways call auditor within the call audit team. She was then one of the small number of staff who completed the internal portfolio application route to progress to internal student paramedic. She then progressed through the enhanced care paramedic role and was then offered the chance to train and work as a first contact practitioner paramedic. Then just five weeks ago, Laura started in post as an advanced paramedic in Integrated Urgent Care & the Clinical Advisory Service (CAS). 

She said: “In this role NEAS and its wonderful staff will help support me through an ACP masters and to develop skills in leadership, education and research, the main focus of which will be to provide clinical support and development for advanced paramedics and senior clinical advisors working in the telephone environment.  

“I am passionate about helping people and so far, I’ve mainly done this by helping patients and families in their time of need but now I also have the chance to help support my colleagues in the EOC and CAS.  

“In my new role I am learning to work collaboratively with the EOC, operations, leaders, support services, education & audit teams within NEAS, but also external providers across the IUC system including NHSE, local universities, the Centre for Advancing Practice and local ICBs. To me, community is about openness, inclusivity and respect for patients, colleagues and the wider public. I’m grateful to NEAS and all my colleagues for all the opportunities and support I’ve been offered over the years, and I hope to help support others in a similar fashion.” 

Consultant paramedic in critical care, Lee qualified as a paramedic in 2003. Prior to training as a paramedic, he qualified as a Gunner in the RAF Regiment after leaving school at 16.  

He said: “During my 7-year service I was attached to the Ulster Defence Regiment where I qualified as a Team Medic which was my only real transferable skill when I left. I joined, what was then Northumbria Ambulance Service in 1995 as part-time PTS (patient transport service) at Washington and then Hebburn. In 1999 I became an Advanced Ambulance Technician, first at Pallion and then Wide-Open where I also became a Paramedic on a DCA as well as RRV.  

“In 2012 I became one of the Trusts first specialist paramedics (trauma). I then left the ambulance service to be an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (Emergency Care) at the RVI in Newcastle. Last year I returned to NEAS in the new role of Consultant Paramedic Critical Care. I have been very fortunate to access educational opportunities throughout my career which range from a Diploma in Pre-Hospital Care to a PhD in Major Trauma.” 

As a consultant paramedic, a big part of the role is collaboration, and Lee explains how his role works both internally and externally: “My role allows me to work collaboratively internally and externally at NEAS. Collaboration on a micro-scale within the critical care team to a macro scale on national projects that influence national policy. More recently we are working with charities to fund community projects to improve outcomes from out of hospital cardiac arrest.” 

Samantha is currently in her first year of student paramedic apprenticeship. Prior to starting the course in September 2024, she gained a degree in sport science and then spent time traveling. In 2021, she joined NEAS as a communications support officer in the dispatch team within the emergency operations centre (EOC) and then later progressed into the communications officer role which gave her valuable insight into the coordination and delivery of the emergency services.  

Determined to gain the necessary frontline experience for the paramedic apprenticeship role, she applied and successfully moved into the clinical care assistant role (now known as ASP) which provided her with hands-on patient care experience and a deeper understanding of pre-hospital care. 

She said: “Each shift brings new challenges, and I find real motivation in the unpredictability of the work. I thrive on being placed in different situations where I need to think on my feet and adapt quickly to provide the best possible care. The problem-solving element is both stimulating and rewarding, especially knowing that everything I do is ultimately to support patients and their families during moments of crisis and uncertainty. 

“As a student paramedic apprentice, I’ve come to understand that ‘community’ is at the heart of the ambulance service. It’s reflected in the way everyone works together toward a shared goal: delivering the highest standard of care to patients. This sense of community is evident in the warm welcomes received when joining a new station, in the colleagues who take the time to explain and teach, and in the way team members consistently look out for one another. It’s a supportive and collaborative environment that not only strengthens our ability to care for patients but also fosters personal and professional growth.” 

Clinical pathways lead in the south division; Simon Kelly joined NEAS in 2001 and qualified as a paramedic in 2003. Prior to joining the ambulance service, he worked for Durham County Council in social services as a mental health support worker.  

After joining NEAS, he worked in a wide variety of roles including advanced technician, paramedic, rapid response paramedic, community paramedic, pathfinder liaison officer and then into the substantive role of clinical pathways leader.  

“Within my current role as the clinical pathways lead, I enjoy being actively involved in service improvement, having the opportunity to work with partner services in the wider health and care system, delivering clinical pathways and alternative care providers training and carrying out face-to-face engagement with operational staff. It means a lot to me when I see a colleague’s confidence in making referrals grow after a bit of support (and persuasion) from the Clinical Pathways Team. 

“To me, community means a few different things. There's a wider community in which I strive to provide the best possible pre-hospital care. There is the NEAS community who share the common goal of providing that care. There is also the paramedic community, who not only share that common purpose but also share a particular set of experiences and challenges while carrying out their role.” 

Shaun is a specialist paramedic in critical care and qualified as a paramedic in 2015. Prior to his career in paramedicine, he studied adult nursing at Northumbria University and worked in A&E at the QE in Gateshead. He then started as a student paramedic in 2013 and spent four years working in multiple roles across the service including a rapid response paramedic and completing a 6-month secondment as a paramedic coordinator which supported the flow patients attending by ambulance and reducing delays. 

“I always had a genuine interest in the medical field fascinated by how the human body works, how illnesses and injuries happen, and more importantly how we can treat them. I’ve always had a strong desire to help people, especially those who are vulnerable or going through some of the worst moments of their lives. Becoming a paramedic felt like the most direct and meaningful way I could do that. There's something incredibly powerful about being able to show up often when no one else will and make a real difference. 

“As a specialist paramedic, I enjoy the complexity of the cases, the need to think critically under pressure and the teamwork that happens seamlessly in high-stake situations. We work collaboratively with a number of colleagues, and I recognise that every team member brings valuable skills.  

“To me, community means being there for people when they need help the most. It’s about trust, compassion, and doing the right thing for others. As a specialist paramedic, I’m not just responding to emergencies, I am caring for people in my community and often during their hardest moments.” 

Rapid response paramedic, Vince has worked in a variety of roles across the ambulance sector, including working in the Middle East as a paramedic.  

However, prior to joining NEAS in our patient transport service in 1997, Vince Potter was a semi-professional cyclist. He went on to become a technician before qualifying as a paramedic in 2005 and now works as a rapid response paramedic, providing timely and efficient care to the patients of Teesside. 

Vince said: “From my years on PTS I realised I had a big heart. I felt a huge connection to my people, the people of the North East, particularly Teesside where I grew up. 

“My role as a rapid response paramedic is slightly different to a paramedic working on a double crewed ambulance. I still attend all the most serious cases, but what’s unique is I attend a lot of 111, GP follow ups and backup calls, focusing on the most appropriate care pathway for the patient, whether that’s leaving them at home, organising a follow up with a specialist service. My role is very autonomous, utilising my experience and knowledge to ultimately give the best care and appropriate care for the patients we serve, and reduce hospital admissions where I am able.” 

“To me, community is everything. The key is to connect in a human way, connecting with your colleagues, making them feel you've got their back. Trust brings a calmness and people see you're just like them"