Based in Lincoln, Richard is a member of the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service crew. This year will be Richard’s first working Christmas with EMAS since he joined the Trust in July this year. Richard’s role as Patient Care Assistant brings him the opportunity to meet different patients and their families every day as he and takes them to and from clinics or hospitals for medical appointments.
This is not his first year working around Christmas days though, “I’m familiar with it as I also worked all of Christmas and New Year for St John Ambulance last year working alongside the Midlands critical care team.”
“Having a 12-year-old daughter who now understands what Christmas is about, I feel I can work the festive period to allow my other colleagues with much younger children to enjoy the festive celebrations with them. Me and my daughter enjoyed Boxing Day together with the rest of the family.”
It’s important to learn the people you are supporting are grateful for the support, Richard said, “patients seem to be a lot more grateful this time of year and understand the contributions and sacrifices we make to put others first. I hope I can spread a little joy, maybe even some festive singing, while taking them home to their families after being away from home while in hospital.”
“I just want to take this opportunity to wish all my colleagues, past and future patients, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Stay safe out there!”