Welcome to our showcase.
This is where you can read and experience #TheDifferenceWeMake in our workplaces, universities, medical centres, communities and beyond.
SUBMISSIONS.
Read stories and submissions below.
...or submit your own here!
Humanitarian Nursing & Paramedical Aid (Charity-NGO)
Canton Ticino, Switzerland
What does your organisation do?
Organize and provide paramedical care in international settings within crisis situations. HUNPA is carrying out humanitarian missions in Ukraine; the main activities are: providing free paramedical assistance and remote medical assessment with telemedicine to the population still living in conflict areas; provide emergency care training to civilians and military personnel.
What impact did this have?
People (especially elderly people) receive medical care for the first time since the start of the war, but above all they receive emotional support and feel the compassion of foreign healthcare workers: they are grateful because they do not feel forgotten.
Our paramedics providing care during the first mission in September 2023 in Donbass area (Ukraine).
DocBike Devon
Devon, United Kingdom
What does your organisation do?
We attend motorcycle events in Devon and engage with motorcyclists to teach them small changes they can make to avoid being involved in a serious or fatal collision. With a team of volunteers (3 in Devon being paramedics) we are about using positive conversation to teach bikers how to get the right bike clothing, how to be more skillful and when to ride fast (Track days!).
What impact did this have?
This will make Devon's roads safer for bikers. By promoting more skillful riding this will reduce serious or fatal collisions involving motorbikes.
Photos of us receiving charitable donations. Financial donations from Devon Freemasons and a Bike kindly donated to us by RevComps.
Paul Green - HCRG Care Group
United Kingdom
What is your role?
Heart Failure Specialist Practitioner & Clinical Fellow (Cardiovascular disease)
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
As part of a clinical fellowship, within my role, I devised screening tools. These work within patients medical notes, to opportunistically highlight patients with an irregular pulse. This then advises the clinician on the next course of action to effectively diagnose and manage atrial fibrillation. The success of this project then led on to a similar tool, for more complex area of hypertension.
What difference did this action make?
These healthcare IT tools have provided the integrated Care Board with accurate data and reduced reporting. More importantly, it identifies those with atrial fibrillation and means stroke risk can be managed effectively. This will help save lives and reduce instances of stroke. The hypertension tool helps identify and manage BP, this reduces worsening cardiovascular disease and burden for the NHS.
In clinic and examples of the screening processes.
MedServe Wales
South & West Wales, United Kingdom
What does your organisation do?
Provides Immediate Care Practitioners to deliver Enhanced Care in support of Welsh Ambulance.
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
In 2018 we actively recruited paramedics onto the team, supported their development and education.
What impact did this have?
This has resulted in the entire original cohort successfully attaining the Diploma in Immediate Medical Care of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and becoming team leads when deployed on team shifts. The second cohort are on their way to the same success.
MedServe Wales Volunteer Medics.
Outdoor Medics Pvt.Ltd
Bangalore, India
What does your organisation do?
Wilderness and Austere First Response & Training
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
We have designed and conducted a Snake Bite First Aid Workshop in the month of March. India being a tropical country face a huge challenge in Snake Bite Management.There are many superstitions, myths and misconceptions about Snakes and Snake Bites in India. Most People die due to lack of immediate first aid care and resorting to traditional healing practices
What impact did this have?
We aimed at clearing the myths and training thr first responders in right practices of Snake Bite First Aid. After this workshop the doubts about Snake Bite were cleared amd the participants were more confident in dealing with Snake bite cases. We also are planning to include safe snake handling techniques in our upcoming workshops. We had a session on Common snakes identification
Images from our Snake Bite First Aid Workshop.
Scottish Ambulance Service
Scotland
What does your organisation do?
SAS Macmillan Project
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
The Scottish Ambulance Service have partnered with Macmillan Cancer Support to improve the care provided to individuals at the end of life. The project has achieved many milestones but more recently updated guidelines relating to the administration of just-in-case medications to include ambulance technicians. Previously this was only in paramedic scope of practice.
What impact did this have?
This change in practice will reduce suffering for individuals with distressing symptoms at end-of-life where a technician ambulance crew have attended. Reducing inequalities and access to care and support.
SAS Macmillan project team attending 'Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care' December 2023
Taiwan Society of Paramedicine
Taiwan
What does your organisation do?
We organise the "Paramedicine and Emergency Response International Conference" in Taiwan
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
In 2023, Taiwan Society of Paramedicine (TSP) hosted the PERIC International Conference, inviting senior paramedics to deliver keynote speeches. We achieved a record in Taiwan with 33 poster presentations and 14 oral presentations.
This year, we continue organizing the conference to foster EMS academic development in Taiwan and Asia. We hope TSP's journal, JPER, will gain more attention, establishing a robust foundation for EMS.
What impact did this have?
We introduced the importance of research in paramedicine. There are more EMTs and Paramedics join in research groups and enrol to postgrad schools for being part of academic communities.
Wee Chee Ong
Singapore
What is your role?
Medical Retrieval Paramedic
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
We coordinated the critical care transport of a patient who was seriously injured in a traffic accident just across the border in Malaysia. We collaborated with teams from Malaysian hospitals, private ambulance providers, and immigration authorities to manage the operational needs and requirements for a smooth transfer back to Singapore via ground critical care ambulance transport.
What impact did this have?
The coordination went smoothly, with no complications or incidents during the 8-hour drive from Penang State in Malaysia to Singapore General Hospital. Efficient collaboration between personnel, immigration authorities, and hospitals in Singapore made this mission easy to handle.
Tanzania Rural Health Movement
Mwanza, Tanzania
What does your organisation do?
Runs a community EMS integrated with emergency medical dispatch in Mwanza, Tanzania
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
We have set a community emergency response team by recruiting the motor taxi first responders. The community EMS integrated with the emergency medical dispatch has supported community members to access immediate emergency services within 7 minutes irrespective of the geographical location.
What impact did this have?
The project has impacted over 10,000 beneficiaries who have received immediate emergency care before arrival to the hospital for definitive care. The knowledge about first aid has increased to the motortaxi drivers, where up to date 224 motor taxi drivers have been trained on the basic life support.
MyMedEquip
Australia
What does your organisation do?
Provide medical supplies.
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
MyMedEquip has made a significant impact by providing thousands of dollars’ worth of free equipment to student societies. Our mission, represented by our motto "Empowering Lifesavers", is to enhance accessibility to essential tools for students in need.
What impact did this have?
One particularly rewarding experience stands out. During the devastating New South Wales floods two years ago, Brock—a student paramedic—lost everything, including crucial equipment like a stethoscope required for an upcoming clinical placement. MyMedEquip stepped in to fulfill Brock’s need, and the gratitude expressed through a heartfelt smile made it all worthwhile.
Day Trip First Aid Kit - alongside student kits with stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers this is an example of contributions to student societies
Georgina Campbell
United Kingdom
What is your role?
Clinical Team Leader
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
I am a clinical team leader and provide support to operational staff to enable them to provide the best care for patients. I recently attended a patient involved in a collision on his motorbike.
I supported the crews on scene to provide enhanced trauma care and transport the patient to a major trauma centre. I also supported the patient's daughter, who was involved in the collision as well.
What difference did this action make?
The patient was treated with kindness and dignity. He was given significant treatment on scene before being transported to hospital. The crews were supported in their clinical decision making and I performed a debrief afterwards to ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved in the incident. This encourages learning from incidents and also provides staff with an opportunity to discuss their feelings.
OSH-Med international
Windhoek, Namibia
What does your organisation do?
Provide Emergency Care Training from First Aid to Emergency Care Practitioner - Intermediate level.
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
I have the opertunity to make Basic EMS providers Intermediate EMS providers. Yes, being a instructor and a FTO is hard work and it sometimes ends up in debates and googling articles to make a point, but walking away with someone who learned puts a smile on any dark day.
What impact did this have?
Working with students in the field and being able to let them practically do what was trained in a classroom and seeing them gain confidance and pride in the differance they made for that person, is so next-gen rewarding. And then having other FTO's telling you that the guys that you opened the doors to are on par and exceeding expectations. That makes it worthwhile.
Explaining the use of a vacuum mattress
Arthur Pearce
Namibia
What is your role?
Branch Manager / Instructor OSH-Med international
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
APU members were trained extensively in life saving skills and they where placed and forced into difficult situations, and had to use the gained knowledge to show that they were ready for the future.
What difference did this action make?
An undisclosed time after training, an team of APU members were engaged in a shoot out, and the team out did themselves and showed that drilling skills is of utmost necessity when life is hanging on the line.
Melissa Gardiner
Australia
What is your role?
STORC Lead
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
St John WA dual registered Paramedic and Midwife Melissa Gardiner has revolutionised emergency patient care in the field of Obstetrics by creating an Australian-first initiative called the State Obstetrics Referral Call (STORC). STORC provides a 24-hour helpline service, staffed by six experienced midwives. "To support ambos, women and their families is honestly my dream come true."
Please describe the difference your action made?
Since the STORC program launched at St John WA in May last year, the team has helped more than 20 deliveries across Western Australia, including twins who made a hasty entrance into the world in their mother's bathroom, and advised frontline crews on 100 obstetrics jobs. Mel has been awarded an Ambulance Service Medal for her dedication and expertise.
St John WA
Western Australia
What does your organisation do?
St John WA is a not-for-profit which delivers the Western Australian emergency ambulance service.
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
St John WA has become the first emergency service in Australia to provide Auslan interpreting services for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Through a trailblazing partnership with Convo Australia, all St John WA ambulance crews and health centres have access to interpreters around the clock, at the touch of an iPad button. Convo Australia is a Deaf-owned and operated service.
What impact did this have?
Since Convo was rolled out in January, St John WA crews have used the service 37 times for more than 105 minutes, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. St John WA Ambulance Paramedic Tahni Baird said it was a lifesaver for crews and patients communicating during time critical medical emergencies. “I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” she said.
Dominique Larrey Paramedic Student Society
Quito, Ecuador
What does your organisation do?
Non-profit group of paramedics in training, purely academic and delimited from any activity.
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
As a Student Society, we provide valuable experiences to apply what we have learned in real emergency environments. We facilitate connections with like-minded people and careers, offering mentorship and job opportunities. We host hands-on workshops, keep members updated, and provide access to educational resources.
What impact did this have?
These initiatives have a significant impact by providing practical experience, improving competence in emergencies. They facilitate professional connections that offer mentorship and job opportunities. In addition, they improve knowledge and skills through workshops and educational resources, encouraging personal development and leadership roles.
National Ambulance Service
Ireland
What does your organisation do?
Pre-Hospital Emergency & Intermediate Care Provider for Ireland
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
It was a Sunday night with horrendous storm and driving conditions when little Jack fell and hurt himself. Our paramedics Cian and Beverly arrived at the location real quick to take care of the 7 year old. They did everything to make Jack and his mother comfortable on their journey to hospital under horrible stormy conditions. Jack loved the spin in the ambulance!
What impact did this have?
Little Jack got medical attention immediately even in horrible weather conditions. He got well in no time as well as made friends with the paramedics. Jack's parents who were afraid of their child's wellbeing were instantly relieved by the care provided by our paramedics. Their faith in the ambulance services got even stronger.
Tom Grapes
United Kingdom
What is your role?
Secretary - Paramedic Society at Sheffield Hallam University
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
In April, a 40 Sheffield Hallam Univeristy Paramedic Society members undertook the challenge of hiking Yorkshires 3 Highest Peaks raising awareness and funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. This is one of many activities our society has undertaken to support our profession in community action and fostering CPD and support amongst future colleagues.
Please describe the difference your action made?
We completed the challenge, raising over £4,000. In the process we fostered support and camaraderie in the team as well as a great working partnership with YAA. Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a 100% charity funded organisation, supporting colleagues and patients with emergency response to incidents across the region of 5 million people and we are proud to have partnered with them.
Sheffield Hallam Paramedic Society
Sheffield, United Kingdom
What does your organisation do?
An academic society for SHU students to encourage socials, charity and CPD.
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
Organised by SHU Paramedic Society, students and lecturers from across the Hallam AHP community tackled Yorkshire’s 3 highest peaks. They raised over £4000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance in their Yellow for Yorkshire campaign!
What impact did this have?
This event allowed for support and money to be raised for the wonderful Yorkshire Air Ambulance. This event also promoted well-being encouraging hiking in the outdoors. Students were able to socialise across the paramedic society as well as with other allied health profession members. Completing the three peaks challenge was an experience that the Paramedic Society was super proud of!
Becki Ault
United Kingdom
What is your role?
Student Paramedic
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
This year I have started a new adventure within the role of the Yorkshire & Humber Region Representative for the College of Paramedics Student Council. This involved nominating myself and running in an election. I was successful in this election and have been working to make a difference in this role already!
Please describe the difference your action made?
I am extremely privileged to be in this role and work with incredible college colleagues. Most importantly, I am able to liaise and listen to the views of student paramedics within my region and feed these back to the college. Being able to make a difference to student paramedic education is remarkable and I am looking forward to the future of allowing universities to work together in my area.
Paramedic Students Association of Nigeria (PaSAN)
Nigeria
What does your organisation do?
We unify other paramedics school in Nigeria and enlighten the public about emergency medical services
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
PaSAN, as a registered student association, works to promote unity and collaboration among paramedic students in Nigeria. We are dedicated to health education and community engagement, by raising awareness about the EMS system and paramedic responsibilities to the populace. Additionally, we organize Basic Life Support and First Aid training for the public to increase survival rates and well-being.
What impact did this have?
While training and advocacy are still ongoing, a large number of the populace of Nigeria has gained improved knowledge of emergency medical services and essential first aid skills to sustain life until the arrival of the ambulance/Paramedics.
University of Cumbria
United Kingdom
What does your organisation do?
Higher education provider and home to only Centre of Excellence in Paramedic Practice in the UK.
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
The University of Cumbria has developed a 2-year paramedic degree apprenticeship, complementing its traditional programmes. Supporting the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, it delivers the apprenticeship to learners across 7 English ambulance services. Upskilling existing staff to frontline paramedics, it supports the university with its mission to address regional, national & sector skills needs.
What impact did this have?
To date, 649 new paramedics have entered the NHS workforce in England since the first cohorts graduated in July 2023, with 97% remaining in employment. Of those who have graduated 79% achieved an upper-class degree (good degree – first-class or 2:1). In addition, new and existing Trusts are continuing to work with UoC to help address their own specific sector and regional skills needs.
David Rovardi
United Kingdom
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What is your role?
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber and Registered Paramedic, at the College of Paramedics
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
The College has campaigned for and help bring about the change in legislation which allows UK paramedics to undertake a approved course and become independent prescribers.
What difference did this action make?
The change in law allows paramedic prescribers to authorize the supply and administration of a wide range of medication, reducing delay to patients and allowing paramedics to complete a episode of care.
Care & Custody Police Services
United Kingdom
What does your organisation do?
We deliver forensic healthcare, custody detention and SARC services.
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
We bring a passion for care to custody: recognising many of the detainees brought into custody have complex health concerns and could be very vulnerable. Our healthcare professionals (HCPs) and custody detention officers (CDOs) are working on the front line of handling, individuals who may have challenging behaviour, shoulder-to-shoulder with the police.
What impact did this have?
Detainees will often confide in an HCP meaning we can influence a positive lifestyle change, contributing to the reduction of re-offending and improving the life-prospects of people in police custody. For those who suffer the dreadful experience of rape/sexual assault we provide care, counselling and forensic evidence gathering in a dignified way, ensuring maximum opportunity to convict offenders.
Kirsty Lowery-Richardson
United Kingdom
What is your role?
Head of Education at the College Of Paramedics
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
We have recently published the College's 6th Edition Curriculum, this was over a year in the making, but, following a huge stakeholder engagement that saw both education providers and employers attending sessions to shape this work, and then over sixty individuals working across 27 different task and finish groups we finally got to the point of a publication!
What difference did this action make?
This is the first time we have consulted so extensively on our curriculum, but the timing was right to ensure that this version of the curriculum was co-produced to ensure that it could work for all education providers and employers. Hopefully this curriculum will ensure that new registrants are ready and confident for practice and equipped for long and successful careers.
Essex and Herts Air Ambulance
United Kingdom
What does your organisation do?
We provide critical care to patients by helicopter and rapid response vehicle.
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
We are proud to be part of a paramedic-doctor team who deliver critical care to patients in our region, via helicopter and fast response car. We have recently created a Centre for Excellence where we have placed paramedics in key leadership roles, especially in the areas of cardiac arrest, our clinical community, education, and the care of patients with severe head injury.
What impact did this have?
We have started two PhD programmes for paramedics, one in head injury and another looking at the quality of bystander CPR, together with an exciting new initiative around CPR education in schools, and brand-new educational events focussed on head injury and cardiac arrest. We've built the academic foundations that will help shape the care we deliver for the patients of the future.
Ross Ferguson
United Kingdom
What is your role?
Paramedic at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
I’m proud of the positive impact we can have on the care and lives of those we respond to. One memory I will always treasure was delivering my a newborn baby, then incidentally attending to the same infant weeks later after they became critically unwell at home. Whilst only forming part of routine practise, I was touched by the family’s appreciation of how I would be forever remembered by them.
What difference did this action make?
With an ever increasing and diversifying workload, it is vital now more than ever, to remember that whilst a patient’s journey or crisis may form only a small part of our routine practise - our actions can have a memorable impact on what may be a lifechanging moment for them. Whilst people may not always remember what you said, or even what you did, they’ll always remember how you made them feel.
Oliver Lodmore
United Kingdom
What is your role?
Student Paramedic/NW Student Paramedic Representative
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
Chances are if there's an opportunity for me to give back I will! I've volunteered in various forms for most of my working life - Starting at Bolton ED during COVID, then alongside university I'm involved in the award winning LJMU Paramedic Society, LJMU Paramedic Games and I'm also the Student Representative for the CoP in the NW!
Please describe the difference your action made?
Volunteering and giving back in various forms is so rewarding. I really enjoy putting on educational events, networking and solving problems. It's an amazing way to get experience of leadership/followership and represent the amazing students that we have in the NW. My current big interest is working with students to create safer cultures and reduce sexually inappropriate behaviour.
Our award winning
LJMU Paramedic Society!
LJMU Paramedic Society
What does your organisation do?
Host CPD sessions, socials, wellbeing events and outreach/charity!
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
Throughout the 23/24 academic year we have hosted a variety of events, from CPD to socials, and even visited local schools to speak about paramedicine. These events are extra-curricular and we have amazing uptake from members who attend everything we put on!
What impact did this have?
Our socials allow for students to mix outside of university, and create lifelong friendships and also open dialogue between people who wouldn't normally mix. Our CPD sessions have covered every topic from cradle->grave and enhanced learning and really fostered a positive environment for students. Our charity and outreach has proved amazing with lots of school visits to teach life saving skills!
United Kingdom
Flinders University
South Australia and Northern Territory, Australia
What does your organisation do?
Educate the paramedics of the future
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
Studying paramedicine can be expensive, so for students facing financial hardship a scholarship known as the Stafford Wulff Opportunity Scholarship was established in memory of a much loved and missed former student who sadly passed away from cancer. (Gabe Hicks and Stafford Wulff pictured)
What impact did this have?
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including 2020 (and 2023 graduate) recipient Laurlily Kouma (pictured) have been able to access the scholarship and fulfil their dream of becoming a paramedic, where they can help people everyday.
Janine Taylor-Hayes
United Kingdom
What is your role?
Nottingham Trent University/East Midlands Ambulance Service
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
Whilst on my recent Paramedic placement with East Midlands Ambulance Service, I attended a young patient who attempted to take his own life and was suffering from various struggles. I sat with him for a length of time to help him form a plan of action and build his confidence and self-esteem. I have a motto that people will always remember how you make them feel & I left hoping I was a small help.
What difference did this action make?
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Ambulance and Rescue Guernsey
Guernsey and Alderney
What does your organisation do?
We provide the ambulance service for the British Channel Islands of Guernsey and Alderney.
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
This year we will be celebrating 30 years of the Flying Christine III marine ambulance, which is a life-line service for all the islands of the Bailiwick. On call 24/7 the marine ambulance is crewed by skilled volunteers from the local marine community and a paramedic-led clinicial team from the ambulance service. The Flying Christine III was originally built thanks to public donations.
What impact did this have?
The purpose built vessel was designed with a low cabin and engines at the rear, to provide maxium patient comfort. The marine ambulance connects communities, delivering pre-hospital paramedic care for patients in the remote islands. From life-threating emergencies, traumatic injuries and maternity cases the Flying Christine III improves the patient experience and ensures patient access to care.
Swiss Paramedic Association - Swiss italian Region
Switzerland
What does your organisation do?
Professional body for paramedics and the ambulance professions
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
The Italian-speaking part of Switzerland was hit within eight days by two natural disasters. The territory was devastated by the fury of the water, changing the geography of the region, causing deaths, and isolating the population. As professional body of paramedics, we want to highlight the contribution that paramedics made in tackling the crisis in perfect symbiosis with the other rescue forces.
What impact did this have?
The paramedics from Italian-speaking Switzerland ensured medical intervention in the acute phase of the crisis for displaced persons and search operations personnel, showed solidarity with the ambulance services in the areas affected by the storms by reinforcing them, and ensured the provision of emergency aid for daily emergencies in the devastated areas. This is "the difference we make".
Steve Reiffer
Scotland, United Kingdom
What is your role?
3RU/PRU Paramedic, Scottish Ambulance Service
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
I am lucky to work alongside a very strong and experienced team of Paramedics who provide 3RU coverage across the Lothian region. Our role is to act as a pre-hospital resuscitation team leader. We support our technician and paramedic colleagues with critical on-scene decision making and respond to life threatening emergencies including medical and traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The role entails attending to patients in cardiac arrest, and we do not only assist with the resuscitation efforts and management of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), but also supporting the patient’s relatives and bystanders in dealing with these events.
Paramedics have a unique role, in that we are allowed to enter people’s homes, without hesitation, provide care and support to them when they are at their most vulnerable in their own bed or on a kitchen chair, and - most importantly - potentially provide life-saving interventions. Although a positive outcome is not always achievable, when we work as a team to provide high quality resuscitation and achieve a ROSC that might save the life of somebody’s loved one, that is the most rewarding experience for me.
Please describe the difference your action made?
While I am a newcomer to the team, since its inception in 2014 by the Resuscitation Research Group, the SAS-lead 3RU program has a proven track record of improving the outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
There are still a few of the original members about, and over the past ten years of attending potentially several arrests per shift, the difference each one of them have made individually is enormous.
Chris Burns
Scotland, United Kingdom
What is your role?
Paramedic
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
We attended a call to a patient who suffers from complex mental health issues and at first, the scale of their challenges seemed overwhelming and insurmountable. There were issues reaching back years, months, weeks and days along with a very clear and present risk that they might harm themselves. Initially, there was a very real sense of wondering what kind of a difference could we actually make?
What difference did this action make?
So how did we respond to this situation? First and foremost, we gave real time to listen and absorb their story. In and amongst the darkness, there were some very positive aspects which we were able to amplify and reflect back to them. And then when we stood back and took in the wider picture, we also realised what a remarkable range of people and agencies were involved and how, one way or another, they were not just seeking to keep the patient safe but were actively trying to make their life better. Through the plan we put together that day to these same ends, I believe (or at least I hope) that we too might have made a small but positive difference to this person's life.
Andrew Garvin
Scotland, United Kingdom
What is your role?
Practice Educator Paramedic with the Scottish Ambulance Service
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
I took on the additional responsibilities of being a Practice Educator in January 2023. This means that for much of the year, I have the privilege to help mentor, educate, and support Paramedic students at the beginning of their journey to become the fully qualified and autonomous Paramedics of the future. Mentoring for me is extremely rewarding. Guiding and helping others to hone and develop their knowledge and skills is a positive aspect of my job. One that I relish and constantly seek to self-improve in.
Please describe the difference your action made?
This year I was fortunate enough to be involved in the Queen Margret University's practice educator focus group. Together, we were able to provide and receive feedback, on aspects and experiences of ambulance-based student practice placement. I anticipate this collaborative approach will lead to further improvements, for both students and mentors in the months and years ahead."
Sherwin Chia
Australia
What is your role?
Ambulance Paramedic, St John Ambulance (WA)
One action you took with a particularly positive or rewarding outcome?
I did a job in Kings Park for a 69yo M who had a sudden cardiac arrest. He had no ID or phone on him at the time. 8mins into the resus, we got ROSC. As we did our post-ROSC treatment, I recognised the gentleman. He was a caring soul whom I got to know in church 9years before this event took place and his name was John. John eventually made it out of hospital to be reunited with his wife.
What difference did this action make?
John's wife had no idea her husband had collapsed at the top of a hill that morning at 7am. Through the work of our team and the local police, we were able to identify John's address and notify his spouse of what happened. By the time she was alerted, John was the watch of the coronary care unit.