International Paramedics Day 2023: Jonathan Kear

 

This International Paramedics Day, we have spoken to our frontline staff about what inspired them to join the ambulance service and what they love about their role. Here we speak to Jonathan Kear, an associate ambulance practitioner and soon to be paramedic.

 

 

Please introduce yourself!

 

My name is John Kear and I'm based in north Essex out of Harwich station. I joined the ambulance service in 2017 as an associate ambulance practitioner and due to complete (fingers crossed) a two year apprentice paramedic degree in September. 

 

What inspired you to join the ambulance service?

 

It was a complete leap of faith, I worked as a chef for 10 years and needed a change, despite having no clinical knowledge or experience there was lots of transferable skills. My wife, being a nurse encouraged me into the health sector and I have now encouraged her to join the service as a pre-hospital practitioner. 

 

What do you love most about your job?

 

I love the variety, the unknown, and the unpredictable nature of the job.

 

What do you think people would find surprising or unexpected about the work you do?

 

That whilst responding to life threatening emergencies is part of the role, we are also able to deal with a wide range of medical complaints - sometimes just being there for someone is enough. I also don't think people realise that we can leave people at home with the support of other community services, to help prevent hospital admissions. 

 

What makes you proud to work for the ambulance service?

 

The people I work with and the care and compassion they show to their patients. You quickly build friendships and work as a team to provide the best patient outcomes. 

 

Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about becoming a paramedic?

 

You've probably already got a lot of the personal and professional skills needed, without realising even it. Take the leap, it may not be easy to begin with but in time, like with any role, it gets easier and it is incredibly rewarding. 

 

Interested in becoming a paramedic? Start your #CareerForLife with EEAST today and hear other people's career journeys.