East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has welcomed 47 Newly Qualified Paramedics (NQPs) who are trained and ready to care for patients.
Having these new paramedics on the road before Christmas means we’re better prepared for the festive season, and the busiest winter weeks when demand traditionally rises.
What is an NQP?
All recently graduated paramedics join EMAS as NQPs. During this stage, they receive additional support, structured development, and close supervision to consolidate their learning and build confidence as an operational paramedic.
It’s a vital step that helps new clinicians grow while delivering safe, high-quality care.
Boosting our frontline response
Our latest cohort is now operational before Christmas, strengthening our ability to respond when demand on our service traditionally rises.
This achievement reflects a joint effort across EMAS, with different teams working together to ensure our newest paramedics could start safely and swiftly.
Over the past few weeks, our Driving Education team has delivered focused training sessions so NQPs could complete their emergency driving programme. This means they’re now ready to respond confidently to our patients – not just during the festive season, but well into the future.
Tim Slater, Deputy Director of Operations at EMAS said:
“Congratulations to our NQPs, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this possible.
“Having 47 new paramedics on the road means we have more crews available for life-threatening emergencies and much-needed support for our frontline teams during the busiest weeks of the year – including the festive season and winter pressures.”
What paramedics do
Our paramedics provide life-saving clinical care in the community. Dispatched by our Emergency Operations Centre (control room) to 999 calls across the region, they treat patients in their greatest time of need – using specialised equipment such as defibrillators and administering oxygen and medicines to support recovery.
Help us keep ambulances free for those who need them most this winter
999 should only be used for life-threatening emergencies – for example, if someone is unconscious, not breathing, having a suspected heart attack or stroke, or experiencing severe bleeding.
For urgent but not life-threatening needs, you can make a big difference by choosing the right care:
- Self-care for minor illnesses and injuries.
- Community pharmacy for expert advice and medicines.
- Urgent Treatment Centre or your GP practice for ongoing or urgent conditions.
- NHS 111 for quick guidance and to be directed to the best service.
By taking these steps, you’re helping us keep ambulances available for patients in the greatest need. Together, we can make sure our emergency crews are there when every second counts.
And don’t forget your flu jab. This vaccine helps protect against illness that can be serious or even life-threatening. If you’re eligible, you can book quickly and easily on the NHS website, in the NHS App, or by calling 119.
Protect yourself, protect others, and help reduce pressures on emergency services this winter.