Group photo of multiple people in a sunny outdoor setting.

Our staff and volunteers don’t just work for the ambulance service, caring for people when they need us the most becomes a part of who they are.

In a shining example of this, selfless colleagues, Regional Community and Engagement Lead Mark Evans and Paramedic Paul Atherton, earlier this year volunteered their own time to support a project in Kisii County, Kenya. This was part of an initiative led by colleagues from the University of Manchester aimed at improving emergency care in one of the country’s most deprived areas.

Over the course of three weeks, a team of six health professionals, including Paul’s wife and former NWAS Paramedic Mandy Atherton, trained 24 local people in vital clinical skills such as trauma response, maternity care, and CPR. Some of the students walked miles each day to attend the programme and by the end of the course were ready to take on emergency roles in their community.

A group of people smiling inside a vehicle, one lying on a stretcher.

Whilst in Kisii County, a region where just two operational ambulances serve a population of 1.2 million, the team also introduced new health and safety procedures, as well as medicine management protocols to improve patient care.

“It was extremely humbling to experience a completely different way of life and to have the opportunity to make a real difference,” says Mark. “We were welcomed with open arms, and I’ve made some friends for life.”

The work doesn’t stop there, Mark has since returned with colleague Fiona Larkin, who is a community resuscitation engagement officer in Team NWAS. They trained a further 26 emergency responders, taking the total to over 50 people trained. They also focused on developing some of the original responders as trainers who can carry the programme forward and help the service grow substantially.

“We’re keen to make sure the improvements we’ve introduced have a lasting impact,” Mark explains. “By training trainers, the knowledge can be shared more widely, which helps build a stronger, more resilient service. We’re also very conscious of respecting and embracing cultural differences in the way we approach our work.”

An ambulance outside of a building.

Mark is also planning a charity fundraising event to raise money for essential kit bags and equipment for the local ambulance teams. In the meantime, he’s keeping in close contact with his new colleagues in Kisii County, and the feedback has already been inspiring.

“They’ve been keeping me updated, and it’s amazing to hear how the changes we made are already helping to save lives,” says Mark.

This story was taken from the most recent edition of our Your Call magazine which is our digital publication for our patients, staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and the public. It explores our service initiatives, staff, patient, and public stories as well as current issues and other features. If you would like to be added to the mailing list or would like to contribute to our magazine, please contact our Communications Team at: [email protected].