I have been a paramedic now for 22 years and held various roles throughout my career. I am currently a Paramedic Practitioner in an Aldershot GP practice, working as part of an integrated team of health professionals ensuring we can provide wrap around care for patients.

Working at Princes Gardens, Aldershot I can put all my skills into practice by seeing patients who often have an urgent need but one which may not need a GP. My days are full of variety!

I love the fact that I can spend more time with patients than the GPs can, answering their questions and understanding their worries. Sometimes our chats highlight other issues that the patient needs support with. That’s why the team we have in practice is so valuable, as there is often one of us who can provide support. If you want to know a little more about me here is my story.

I started all those years ago as a Patient Transport Driver, which really helped me develop my communication and listening skills. I loved that element of the work; being able to have a chat with different people throughout the day.

I moved on to become a technician for the ambulance service and trained on the job to eventually qualify as a Paramedic. For the next 18 years I was based in Surrey as a front line responder.

Eventually I decided I wanted to learn more and undertook additional training at medical school covering subjects like minor illness, mental health and prescribing. I have developed a particular interest in Dermatology throughout my career and use these additional skills in my current role at the surgery.

Patients contact the surgery and the Care Navigators take a look at their need before directing them to the best member of the team to support. My role allows me to see people who have sustained a minor injury and assess them or see patients who are living with a few on going conditions and will need those taking into consideration during assessment and treatment.

Being part of a wider team, I know there is always a colleague on hand with expertise if I feel the patient needs support with a referral, medication or if I need to seek GP support for more senior clinical over view.

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I’d love for people to better understand that there are specialist paramedics in every setting, from theatres to general practice, right up to the level of consultant paramedic. The days of a paramedic being only responsible for patient transport and responding to emergency calls are far behind us.

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Paramedic practitioners have become vital team members within your GP practice.  

Their background in out of hospital care means that they are used to working with people with a variety of health conditions – from coughs and minor injuries, to more serious conditions such as asthma and heart conditions.

Paramedics offer specialist skills and knowledge to support patients who might require an urgent appointment or even a home visit often keeping the patient from needing further treatment.

If a patient has more complicated problems, paramedics can ask the GP or another specialist in the team to support with a patients needs.

If you want to read more about the expanded team available to support you at your GP practice visit fhac-archive.frimley.icb.nhs.uk/gethelp