Paramedic Claire Smith has received seven patient thank you letters in 12 months, which is a testament to her patient care! Claire tells us why she loves the job she does.
“Becoming a paramedic was my childhood dream! I have worked in the NHS for 18 years; I worked11 years in general practice as a health care assistant before the opportunity arose to join the ambulance service in 2015 as an emergency medical technician. I then trained, whilst in my role, to become a fully qualified paramedic in 2017.
“I am extremely proud to be a paramedic. To be present in many varied circumstances, often where people are experiencing the most vulnerable and stressful times of their lives, I believe puts me in a privileged position.
“We care for people and their families in emergency and often frightening situations and being able to offer help and support gives me great job satisfaction.
“As a paramedic, we do not always save lives, but we always hope and work hard to make their transition as comfortable as possible. Providing that support to our patient and their family at this time is a huge honour. On other days we may bring new life into the world; this is a truly special occasion which I take pride in every time!
“The job role can be emotive, and I sometimes feel very sad and exhausted. I have cried with my colleagues and also with patients. I work with an amazing and supportive team who all have human emotions and care for each other through the highs and lows of our careers.
“Sometimes it’s the small things that make the biggest difference. I remember giving reassurance to a distressed child when her mother was poorly. On reflection, seeing how a scared child can become soothed when given the time to explain what was happening and by involving her in the situation was extremely important. I was pleased to receive a thank you letter from her mother telling me how grateful she was that we took the time to speak to her daughter and how she still speaks about us to this day.
“I have received many thank you letters for my care and support, each one very important to me. I feel so humbled that they have taken the time to send it from an experience which was probably so frightening for them.”