George's Journey - Interim Chief of Staff
George Barber is our interim chief of staff. He has been with the Trust for 4 years.
My journey in the ambulance service began at a young age when I discovered my passion for helping others. I am now the interim chief of staff for the Trust.
Volunteering for St John Ambulance since the age of six fuelled my desire to join the ambulance service. In 2019, I joined EEAST as a tactical assistant, supporting service delivery across the organisation. I have had various roles, including being seconded as personal assistant to a deputy chief operating officer and then as a business and project support manager for the emergency operation centres (EOC). These have allowed me to contribute to the development of standard operating procedures, communications, engagement, and a review of dispatch operations.
In 2023, I was fortunate to secure a secondment as the interim chief of staff. In this position, I find great fulfilment in supporting our organisation's transformative journey and enabling our executives to excel in their roles. The variability of the job is invigorating, as no two days are ever the same.
Throughout my time at EEAST, I have pursued personal and professional growth. This includes training as a loggist, who’s role it is to log all decisions and information of commanders during significant incidents. I have also trained as an EOC tactical commander, where I would be the point of contact for the EOC out of hours, making decisions to safeguard our patients and supporting service delivery. Additionally, I have had the opportunity support a number of events and operations as a communications tactical advisor.
Throughout my time at EEAST I have had the privilege of meeting exceptional staff and volunteers from across the organisation, developing processes and systems to support their development, and showcasing their outstanding work. Challenges have emerged along my path, both from external sources and within the organisation. These obstacles sometimes stem from my age or my inherent drive to question the status quo and advocate for the best interests of staff and patients. However, I have always received unwavering support, which has propelled me forward even in the face of difficulty.
If I were to speak to someone considering joining our Trust, I would emphasise that helping people in the ambulance service extends beyond being a paramedic. Call handlers, dispatchers and clinical advisors play a crucial role in saving lives, forming a vital link in the chain of survival. Our corporate and operations support colleagues work tirelessly to deliver for our patients, staff, and volunteers. Whether in uniform or in a suit, each of us is indispensable to the service and the wellbeing of our patients.
I take immense pride in being part of the EEAST team, where we collaborate, pooling our shared experiences, knowledge, and skills to serve the community. I am inspired by how our staff and volunteers adapt to the diverse range of patients we encounter and how, in challenging times, we stand united and resilient.
As an organisation, we acknowledge our imperfections but remain committed to constant improvement, fostering inclusivity, openness, and honesty. Nothing fills me with more pride than hearing about lives saved or witnessing the unwavering compassion our team demonstrates toward our patients and their families.
Has George's story inspired you to start your career for life with EEAST?
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