Ready to respond

When people ask me what it takes to do my job, I often say it begins with staying calm. In critical care, pressure is a constant companion. I’ve learned that remaining calm isn’t just a skill, it’s a necessity. But it’s not just about maintaining composure: kindness, honesty, and confidence are just as vital. These qualities help us to connect with people in their most vulnerable moments and are the foundation of every decision we make.

My journey into this field wasn’t a sudden leap, more of an evolution. I’ve always been driven by a desire to learn and grow, so when the opportunity came to join such a high-performing team of senior clinicians, I knew it was the right step. But it wasn’t about advancing my career; it was about becoming better – for myself, for my team, and for the patients we serve.

Preparation is everything in this role. Before we even arrive at a scene, I’m already mentally modelling what we might face. We run simulations at base, develop multiple plans, and lean on each other’s insights. It’s always a team effort as we prepare for the unpredictable so we can act with purpose when it most matters. In some ways the red suit is like a protective suit of armour that we don before we go out there into what can be the unknown.

One of the things I admire most in my colleagues is their compassion. I’ve seen them deliver the hardest news with such warmth and humanity. I remember a time when we had to withdraw treatment from a patient in cardiac arrest. It was a heartbreaking moment, but my colleagues did their very best to support the family in their sorrow, giving them space, time, and dignity and the chance to say goodbye.

If there’s one thing I’d like to share with our supporters, it’s this: behind every uniform is a person who cares deeply. We’re not just responding to emergencies, we’re showing up for people, often on the worst day of their lives, and we try to bring the best of ourselves to each unique situation we respond to.