A newly qualified paramedic at East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has been recognised by the Royal College of Paramedics as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations.
Amy Swallow has been featured in the College’s “Your Voice” campaign, which highlights the people, experiences, and values that define the paramedic profession.
Amy said being included in the campaign came as a surprise:
“I submitted a picture and a few words and didn’t think much would come of it, but it was really nice to get that recognition.
“As a newly qualified paramedic, it’s quite easy to feel like you’re finding your place, so it meant a lot.”
Amy, who is 22, joined the ambulance service after studying at university and says she quickly realised it was the right career for her.
She said the most rewarding part of the role is not always the high-profile emergencies, but the everyday moments with patients:
“It’s not always about major trauma.
“Sometimes it’s just being able to talk to people, work out how best to support them, or even just holding someone’s hand.
“Making a difference, even a small one, and being someone that people can turn to – that’s what makes me proud to do this job.”
Amy also spoke about the reality of starting out in the profession, and the importance of support from colleagues:
“There are times when you doubt yourself and wonder if you’re doing the right thing.
“But I’ve felt really supported through my training and since joining EMAS. Everyone I’ve worked with has been amazing in providing reassurance and support.”
Alongside her frontline role, Amy continues to be involved in work aimed at improving sexual safety for student paramedics.
While at university, she took on a student representative role, sharing feedback from fellow students to help inform wider discussions across EMAS, and has continued to support this work since qualifying.
This helped strengthen understanding of student experiences and shape ongoing work to improve safety and support.
Amy said she was keen to help improve support for students:
“Students can sometimes feel more vulnerable, so it’s important they feel able to speak up and know they’ll be supported.”
Colleagues at EMAS working within workforce and education welcomed this additional insight and supported Amy to bring forward student feedback, case studies, and data. She was invited to contribute to a dedicated working group, helping to ensure the student voice was clearly represented in shaping EMAS’s response.
This collaborative approach has enhanced work across our organisation to improve awareness and provide clearer routes for reporting concerns, including the development of education resources and communications to support students on placement.
Andy Kirk, Assistant Director of Education and Organisational Development at EMAS said:
“Amy’s willingness to contribute to this work has been incredibly valuable, helping us better understand student perspectives and build on the support already in place to ensure their safety and wellbeing on placement.”
Reflecting on her experience so far, Amy encouraged others entering the profession to have confidence in their voice:
“There will be tough days, but there are also really good ones.
“Don’t be afraid to speak to people and share your ideas – the more you do, the more opportunities there are to make a difference.”
Amy’s story is just one example of the people and experiences being celebrated as the paramedic profession marks 25 years of progress and continues to evolve.