Learning curves

Since my last column in November, I had the pleasure of attending the Priory of St John Ambulance to collect my Service Medal to the Order of St John Ambulance, having given 15 years of service volunteering to the organisation. If it were not for St John Ambulance, I would not have had the experience, confidence, or ability to apply to become a paramedic. Having the privilege to attend the priory has been the highlight of my St John Career.

The nights are now drawing in; it is dark when I leave for work and on the way home—something I am sure all readers will relate to! The daylight hours are being spent in the classroom as my clinical induction with the London Ambulance Services started in November. It has been an intense time of learning curves, refreshing old skills, taking in new skills and ‘all things London’. On the course was a mix of newly qualified paramedics (NQPs) and some band 6 paramedics transferring into London from other trusts. This made for a variety of skills and experiences, which made the course interesting and also paved the way towards forging friendships with others in a similar situation to myself.