As Autumn approaches and I prepare to start my second year of training at the University of Hertfordshire, ironing my uniform and packing my bags allows me time to reflect on my reasons for training as a paramedic. The job is undoubtedly fulfilling—helping people when they need it most was an influential factor in my desire to become a paramedic.
I have to admit though, with a hint of embarrassment, that blue flashing lights, a catchy theme tune and non-stop adrenaline-fuelled emergencies on TV dramas were what initially sparked my love for the paramedic profession. From a young age, I loved to run around the house with my ambulance and stethoscope, providing—in my opinion—excellent clinical care for my soft toys. I learned, during my first job as a lifeguard, that real life was drastically different from my Baywatch fantasies, as I spent more time cleaning the changing rooms.
Like many of my peers, on leaving school, I was overwhelmed by having to make a career choice. I feared my romanticised preconceptions of paramedicine were not enough to pursue the role. Instead, I went to London and trained as an actor. Work in film and TV followed, but unfortunately, I never did get my big break on Casualty or Holby City. Not surprisingly, the sound of sirens on my way to auditions continued to heighten my curiosity and my longing to work in an emergency profession. After much consideration and finding myself somewhat lost as an actor, I decided to change paths. I trained as an on-call firefighter, which I continue to do today, and returned to college.
Paramedic practice is developing at high speed. Its position within the medical profession is shifting; groundbreaking research continues to broaden our clinical skills as we strive for medical advances; and no longer solely an emergency service, we now spend a considerable amount of time on social issues, from addiction to mental health. As a result of these changes, there seems to be some public confusion regarding our role.
My friends believe I drive around on blue lights all day, while my family are surprised to hear that I still have 2 more years of training ahead of me before I become an ‘ambulance driver’. These perceptions can be changed through education, be it through discussions with patients or the use of social media. As the number of ambulance calls increases year on year and emergency services across the country continue to struggle under the strain, it is vitally important that the general public sees realistic depictions of what we do.
TV dramas are not an accurate representation of paramedic life; a shift is not composed of running in slow motion to the sound of a dramatic soundtrack. You could argue that this skewed view of the ambulance service is damaging, but they inspired me to embark on this career. They fuelled my sense of excitement and wonder, despite the serious nature of the work—but the real world of a paramedic is even better than I anticipated.