Meet the team: GNAAS paramedic Jemma Kirby

Back in June 2021, the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) welcomed Aussie Jemma Kirby to its critical care team.

36-year-old Jemma would be the first female paramedic to be based over at its Teesside headquarters – working primarily on the charity’s Guardian of the North II helicopter.  

Holly Taylor chatted with Jemma to find out more about her time so far at GNAAS and her life outside of work.

Jemma, how has your time with the charity been so far?

I have learned so much in my first year at the charity and can’t wait to learn some more and consolidate my skills. My year as a paramedic here has completely exceeded my expectations.

I knew it was going to be amazing – but it really is something else and the view from the office always helps, ha!

I still have days where I wake up and need a minute to realise it isn’t a dream. But the job doesn’t come without its challenges.

What made you want to become a paramedic?

I thought about being a paramedic while in school in Tasmania but there was no degree available there and I didn’t want to move to the mainland at that point in my life. I also considered being a police officer, but I knew deep down that my passion was in healthcare.

I was initially hesitant to apply for GNAAS as I was worried I wouldn’t be successful due to a number of different factors. But I put my pride to the side and gave it a shot.

What’s the best thing about your job as a paramedic?

Being a HEMS critical care paramedic is a massive honour and personal achievement.

Obviously, the call-outs where we make a huge difference to someone’s life are my favourite but we have to take the small wins whenever they come by.

You can go home at the end of a shift knowing that without a doubt, you’ve made a difference. You’ve changed a life. You may have even saved a life.

What do you find the hardest?

We often see people on the worst day of their lives. Experiencing the most unimaginable pain. Whether it be physical or emotional. You need a certain level of personal resilience to deal with that, but it’s a job where you can make a difference.

What was your first time flying like?

I honestly couldn’t wipe the grin off my face when I went up in the helicopter for the first time. It was amazing! It definitely has to be the most exciting way to get to an incident ever.

How did you celebrate when you found out you got the job at GNAAS?

I was on my way out of the door to go to work and I got the call from the director of operations at GNAAS, Andy Mawson. At first, I thought the tone of his voice meant I wasn’t successful, so I thanked him for the opportunity but then he said I had the job! I was so emotional, I cried on the phone.

My family were all so happy for me.

I was the first female HEMS paramedic to be employed for the Teesside base – Sarah Graham works at the Cumbrian base, and we’ve since had Hollie Smith start with us in Teesside too.

HEMS has traditionally been a very male-dominated environment, but I’ve received nothing but support and encouragement from my colleagues from the moment my little size six boots stepped into the crew room.

When I found out I was successful I just felt this overwhelming sense of relief. I couldn’t really celebrate either because I was on shift the next day. On my next day off though, there was definitely a fancy bottle of bubbles involved!

What was your ‘sign-off’ day like where you found out you had passed everything?

The ‘sign-off’ day itself was absolutely brutal. I was taken to one of the offices where I sat three written papers. They covered a variety of different subjects relevant to the role.

I was then required to complete three gruelling scenarios which were the hardest I have ever faced and then to finish off, gave three presentations to the team and CEO on three different subjects.

Throughout the day, I was running on adrenaline and sort of went into auto-pilot. I think I was more nervous at the end of the day when I was waiting on the feedback about whether I’d passed or failed.

What advice would you give to your younger self?