Iain joined the ambulance service in 2005, starting on Patient Transport Service before progressing to technician and later qualifying as a paramedic in 2016. Over more than 20 years in healthcare, he has seen significant changes in the profession, from advances in clinical practice to a growing focus on inclusion and wellbeing.

While studying for his paramedic qualification, Iain was diagnosed with specific learning difficulties, including traits associated with dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD. Looking back, he recognises that he struggled throughout school but, like many people of his generation, never received any formal assessment or support.

“I was always trying as hard as I could, but it felt like I was never quite getting there,” he said. “At school it was seen as needing to try harder, rather than understanding there might be a reason why I was finding things difficult.”

Despite the challenges, Iain built a successful career and found ways to manage his learning difficulties. After time away from work, he’s become more open about his needs and the value of getting support.

Since returning, he’s agreed a wellbeing passport with his managers and now uses tools like AI to help with admin, including patient records.

“It has helped me accept that it’s okay to need support,” he said. “A lot of it is about accepting that you struggle with some things, but also recognising the strengths you bring.”

That mindset is something shared at home. Iain met his wife, Rachael, through the ambulance service when they both worked on Patient Transport Services. Like Iain, she has dyslexia and learning difficulties, but that has never stopped her pursuing her ambitions.

After working as a technician, Rachael went on to train as a midwife and has now been qualified for three years. Iain describes her achievements as “amazing” and says her journey is a powerful reminder that learning difficulties should never define what someone is capable of achieving.

Together, they have also navigated the challenges of supporting their autistic son, an experience that has given Iain an even greater understanding of why awareness, empathy, and tailored support really matter.

Those experiences have shaped the way he approaches patient care. He believes his own experiences have helped him better understand and support people with learning disabilities, autism and other neurodivergent conditions.

“The training and education around learning disabilities and autism is so important,” he said. “The more we understand, the better care we can provide.”

Iain also believes that workplaces are becoming more inclusive, although there is still more to do.

“Things are definitely moving in the right direction,” he said. “People are becoming more aware and more understanding, but it’s important that we keep having these conversations.”

Supporting the Disability Network’s Potential, Not Problems campaign, Iain hopes that sharing his experiences will encourage others to speak up and seek support if they need it.

His message is simple:

“Don’t see the disability, see the ability. Everybody has something they can bring.”