This year’s theme is Innovate and Integrate, recognising the important role paramedics play in developing new ways to improve patient care and working closely with colleagues across health and care services.

One example of this at NWAS is our Research Team. Research Paramedic Adam is supporting a project currently being piloted in Cheshire and Merseyside that explores a new way of identifying patients who may be experiencing a severe type of stroke. Research like this has the potential to improve the care patients receive and help shape the future of ambulance services.

We’re also sharing the story of Head of Regional Planning Graham Lovatt, who reflects on his remarkable 45-year career in the ambulance service. From starting as a cadet, when ambulances carried only basic equipment, to seeing the huge advances in technology, clinical care and the way services are delivered today, Graham has witnessed first-hand how the profession has evolved.

To mark International Paramedics Day, we’ll be sharing both of their stories on our social media channels throughout the day. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the dedication of our paramedics and ambulance crews, and the difference they make to patients every day.