Sam Sears, Duty Commander and Paramedic at EMAS has recently returned from a life changing humanitarian deployment to Gaza, where he supported medical efforts in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
Sam, who is no stranger to volunteering in countries hit by crisis and disaster (Rwanda, Turkey, Ukraine), spent three weeks in Gaza as part of a UK-Med mission, leading operations at a primary healthcare facility and supporting emergency care at a field hospital. The deployment, which took place in July 2025, marked one of Sam's most challenging and impactful experiences in his decade of volunteering with the charity.
Sam was asked to join the mission just a week before departure. Despite having previously volunteered in other crisis hit regions, he described this deployment as "the highest risk" he had ever undertaken.
He said:
"I had to think carefully before saying yes. I spoke to colleagues who had been to Gaza before, and while I’d already made up my mind, their insight helped confirm my decision."
The journey to Gaza was complicated and tense, involving travel through Jordan, an Israeli military escort and a UN convoy with armoured vehicles. Once settled inside Gaza, Sam worked across two hospitals, a Type 1 facility offering primary care and a Type 2 field hospital equipped with emergency, surgical, maternity and pharmacy services.
"The devastation was apocalyptic," Sam recalled. "You see it on the news but witnessing it in person is something else entirely."
During his time in Gaza, Sam faced mass casualty incidents, fuel shortages and moments of real danger, including an encounter with armed men at a makeshift roadblock. Despite the risks, he remained focused on the task at hand.
He said:
"I never felt directly threatened, but there were moments that made me pause.
"Still, the local community understood the importance of our presence. They wanted us there."
Sam’s work in Gaza has had a deep impact on his professional development.
"It’s made me a better clinician and leader," he said. "My triage skills, my ability to manage major incidents, these have all been sharpened. It’s experience I bring back to EMAS.”
The deployment for Sam also highlighted the gap in recognition for paramedics and their skill set, with Sam noting that many countries don’t fully understand the scope of the role compared to nurses and doctors.
"Being asked to lead a hospital was a rare opportunity. It’s not something many paramedics get to do internationally."
Sam’s colleagues and family expressed concern at first but ultimately supported his decision.
Reflecting on his experience, Sam said he would return if asked.
"There’s no reason I wouldn’t go back.
"It was emotionally intense, but also incredibly rewarding. It’s about helping people and doing what I’m passionate about."