“Being from Carlisle, GNAAS was my local air ambulance growing up. When my husband and I planned to move back to the north I knew wanted to be part of the GNAAS team!”
In October we welcomed Laura to the team as one of our new critical care paramedics working at our base in Langwathby, Penrith.
The 28-year-old, who is originally from Carlisle, is no stranger to air ambulances after working at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, before moving back to her home county.
We had a chat with Laura about her career and how she’s finding GNAAS so far…
Could you talk me through your medical career from the beginning up to now?
I joined London Ambulance Service in 2014 as a student paramedic and studied Paramedic Science at St. George’s University of London. Once qualified I continued with London Ambulance Service and worked both on the ambulances and on the fast response car.
Working from Wimbledon station I was very privileged to get to be part of the team providing major incident cover at Wimbledon tennis Championships most summers. Whilst working for the ambulance service I also took on a role as a senior lecturer at St.George’s University teaching on the Undergraduate BSc Paramedic Science course. My main roles here included facilitating clinical simulation and leading a pathophysiology module. During my time lecturing I also completed a PGCert in Healthcare and Biomedical Education and started my master’s degree in emergency and resuscitation medicine. From there I joined Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and trained as a critical care paramedic during which time I completed my master’s and also the diploma in immediate medical care.
How does GNAAS compare to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity?
Both charities have been great and the role itself is very similar, however flying over the Lake District is a very special experience!
Why did you want to become a paramedic?
I wanted to be in a role that had lots of variety and where I could be out and about all day rather than in one place. Pre-hospital care is perfect for that! It’s a real privilege to be able to help people when they are at their most vulnerable and I find that really rewarding.
What made you want to work for GNAAS?
Being from Carlisle, GNAAS was my local air ambulance growing up. When my husband and I planned to move back to the north I knew wanted to be part of the GNAAS team!
How did you find the interview process?
I was very nervous for the interview day as I really wanted the role but the team were very friendly and put me at ease very quickly.
How did it feel to receive the call that you got the job, and did you do anything to celebrate?
So relieved! I was waiting by the phone from the moment I left the interview just in case they called! When I found out I had been successful and would be starting with GNAAS I celebrated by going out to a wine bar in Keswick with my husband and sampling lots of their recommended glasses!
How have you found GNAAS so far?
I’m really enjoying my time so far. Everyone has been really welcoming and I’ve enjoyed returning to my home county. Flying over the Lake District has been really beautiful and I’m looking forward to seeing more of it!
Support Laura’s Facebook Fundraiser here.
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