Kind and supportive

‘I’m extremely proud to work for Devon Air Ambulance. The enhanced and critical care that our teams can deliver at the roadside is incredible and undoubtedly saves lives. Through my two years with the charity, I’ve seen that often non-technical skills can be just as important as critical care.

‘I remember attending a call to a motorcyclist who had unsurvivable injuries following a collision. It was a busy scene with three ambulance crews already there. Due to how unwell the patient was we weren’t able to add any further interventions, but we did support the crews on scene, reassuring them they were doing the right thing and help conclude resuscitation.

‘We also spoke with bystanders, thanking them for their heroic efforts. It is important they know that they did everything they could.

‘When the patient’s father arrived, I had to tell him the worst news a parent can hear. I often reflect on those conversations, hoping I chose the right words and conveyed compassion. What matters most in those awful moments is that people feel cared for and informed.

‘Those non-technical skills – compassion, communication, kindness – are immensely important. Our charity delivers critical care at the roadside, but in addition to this the care and genuine patient focus I see daily from my colleagues is exceptional. Delivering terrible news is never easy, but we do it with thoughtfulness and empathy.

‘Being part of a critical care team is a real honor and a professional highlight for me as I’ve wanted to be part of HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) since I trained as a Paramedic, I’ve learned that in addition to the tangible skills that we have we also bring calm, experience, and compassion to every scene.