Helping the helpers: how paramedics were cared for

I write this editorial as the nation completes a minute's silence, mourning the lives lost in the Manchester attack. Yet another frightening incident, and one that is not unheard of in the recent past. Our emergency services have been lauded by many for their ever-reliable response in times of distress. The North West Ambulance Service treated around 60 ‘walking wounded’ without taking them to the hospital, and took equal numbers to hospitals for advanced treatment. Ambulance Trusts from East and West Midlands, Yorkshire and Wales complemented the North West Ambulance Service by reaching patients who needed help in their local community. Barring the wait for firefighters to assist paramedics at the scene, it was reportedly an efficient response to the calamity. With the terror threat in the UK now raised to critical, emergency services as well as the public are asked to be vigilant at all times.

While the Ambulance Service has been above par as always, what was more heartening was the public's way of helping the helpers. I have often written about the importance of people realising their responsibility while using emergency services. Manchester was a heartening example of the public not just being responsible, but going out of their way to help our frontline emergency personnel. Manchester showed courage and compassion in the face of adversity, and was duly praised for its kindness to strangers. Among these stories were those of people bringing hot drinks and food for the emergency staff, and of those sending encouraging messages, offering their first-aid expertise and a much-needed cup of tea. The Chief Executive of North West Ambulance Service, Derek Cartwright, has thanked the public for their patience, kindness and help. He added, “No matter how much we train our staff for incidents such as this, nothing can prepare you for the shock and sadness when tragedies like this occur.”