Emergency patients in Merseyside are benefitting from even more expert clinical skills as  Paramedic, John Collins steps up to take on a new challenge as Consultant Paramedic for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) making him the top ambulance clinician in the county.

Consultant paramedics are extremely highly trained and support advanced paramedics in specialist pre-hospital care meaning that seriously ill patients can receive the best possible treatment before arriving at hospital.

John, 46, from Broadgreen joined the ambulance service in 1994, qualifying as a paramedic in 1995 before moving on to work in staff training from 2004 until he was promoted to become one of the first advanced paramedics for NWAS in 2010.

John said: “The consultant paramedic job is a very varied role and as well as supporting my team of advanced paramedics, I will also be involved in working with other NHS Trusts and partner organisations to implement changes in the way that we respond to patients to help keep us up there at the cutting edge of pre-hospital care.

“The NHS is changing and it’s a really exciting time to take on such a challenging role. I’m really looking forward to leading that change”.

The ambulance service has increased their consultant paramedics from four to six meaning that there is now one focused each North West county and one on clinical research with John taking up the post in Merseyside.

Chief Consultant Paramedic for NWAS, Mike Jackson, said: “It’s been nine years since we introduced the role of consultant paramedic to the ambulance service and our patients have really benefitted from the specialised learning that each one brings to the organisation which is why we have decided to expand them further.

“John has years of varied experience as a Paramedic and is really eager to drive forward the organisation. He’s going to make an excellent addition to the team.”

John also has years of experience working for North West Air Ambulance and was even seconded as a Commander to the London Olympics and Paralympics for two months in 2012.

Giving  advice to other people looking to work their way up the emergency care career ladder, John said: “Set your personal standards high, both personal and clinical and you will be recognised as a result.”

Although the role involves a lot of leadership and learning opportunities, John will still be working alongside colleagues on ambulances, cars and helicopters promoting expert practice and top notch patient care.