How did you get your job?
I applied through the NHS Jobs website, which is the standard route into most paramedic roles. After submitting my application, I was invited to an online interview with a senior operations manager (SOM). They try to match you with a SOM from one of your preferred hubs if possible - the hub is the location where you'll be based and where you start and end each shift.
The interview covered a range of topics. I was asked about the Ambulance Trust's core values, what they mean in practice and how I would demonstrate them in my work. I was also asked about diversity, including how I would respond if a colleague expressed negative views or if team members felt uncomfortable. They explored how I manage stress, what I enjoy outside of work, and the experience I had gained on placement, including which hub I trained at.
If you succeed at the interview, you're allocated a hub and then move on to training.
Is there any further training before you start on the frontline?
Yes. I completed three weeks of clinical training, during which I was assessed on key skills including manual handling and advanced life support. The training is intensive but essential for preparing you for frontline work. During this time, staff also show you practical things such as how to access and manage your rota.
After clinical training, I moved on to the blue‑light driving course. The driving course was intense and stressful, but it brought everything together and made me feel ready for operational work.
Once both training stages are complete, you can start working at your allocated hub.
What do you do in a typical shift?
There is a lot of variation in the types of clinical jobs I go to. This includes Category 1 calls, where someone has a life‑threatening injury or illness. These can feel daunting, especially when I'm working with someone new. Sometimes the situation isn't as serious as it first appears, so you have to keep an open mind - but when it is a genuine Cat 1, the pressure is real. Families are distressed, information can be unclear, and you're trying to treat the patient while gathering a history. That's something I still find challenging.
There are also times when I go to incidents where we aren't really needed medically. These might be social care issues or long‑term conditions where the patient is stable but still needs support. These can be some of the toughest jobs, because although the patient may appear unwell, there isn't always a clinical problem we can fix. In those cases, we can spend a long time on the scene waiting for police, mental health teams or social workers. We also frequently spend time cohorting - when patient care is handed between paramedic teams while waiting for admission to the hospital.
Overall, as a paramedic, you see something new every shift and you're constantly learning. That's what makes the job challenging, unpredictable and rewarding.