Wayne's Journey - Emergency Medical Technician

Back in 2016 I started volunteering as a community first responder (CFR) and then decided to join the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) full time a year later. I joined as an intermediate ambulance practitioner (IAP) and then applied for the apprenticeship emergency medical technician (AEMT) pathway, and I am now a qualified senior emergency medical technician. I have also completed the mentor course, so I have been able to mentor emergency care support worker and apprentice emergency medical technician students through their courses.

When I first joined, I never considered that being a paramedic would be a possibility, however, I pushed myself to go for the role of emergency medical technician and I’m currently applying for the apprenticeship paramedic course. On joining the Trust, I had a good idea that I was dyslexic, but I was unsure on how to get an assessment and studying on the AEMT course was difficult at times. Once I had applied for the apprenticeship paramedic course, I reached out for help and finally got my dyslexia assessment.

What I really like about my role is the unknown of the jobs we attend and being able to do what I can for patients, even if this means finding an alternative care pathway – not everyone needs to go to hospital. I also get the opportunity to work with some amazing colleagues and different teams across the organisation. I also own one of EEAST’s wellbeing dogs and getting to make station visits and seeing staff smile after a rough job makes it feel incredibly worthwhile.

If anyone is considering a role within the ambulance service, go for it! I was 36 when I joined, and you are never too old to learn new skills. Now I have my diagnosis of dyslexia, the help and support I have received from the Trust is great.