Claire Corbitt
Employer: London Ambulance Service
Area of work: Ambulance service
Qualifications: Paramedic science with Institute of Health and Care Development (IHCD) awards, University of Hertfordshire
I chose to work in public service as I wanted to do something medical, working for the NHS rather than the private sector. I had to have a career that primarily involved working with people and did not require sitting in front of a computer all day. I am a big fan of the outdoors and working as part of a team as well as making my own decisions. The ambulance service seemed to combine all of these points in the medical field.
My job
My main responsibilities focus on the health and welfare of patients who call for an ambulance. This includes the assessment of a patient’s injuries or illness, working out a provisional diagnosis, then providing them with emergency treatment and the administration of any necessary drugs as well as providing them with care and reassurance during transportation to hospital.
My job also involves driving skilfully and safely to arrive quickly at the patient’s side and then provide a smooth journey back to hospital. In ten years’ time, I would like to become more involved in the teaching and training aspect of the job. I have started this by supervising new recruits when they start on an ambulance, but I would like to assist in their classroom-learning as well.
Highs and lows
I enjoy feeling that I have made a difference to someone’s life and been able to help them when they most need it. The downside of the job is the shift work, although that was one of the things that appealed to me when deciding to join the ambulance service. Night shifts can be tough to begin with but then it is nice having days off during the week when everyone else is working!
My advice to anyone considering a career in the ambulance service would be to try and get some type of experience caring for the elderly, disabled people or the community in general. People and communication skills are essential in this field and the more experience you gain in these areas the easier the job will be.