In homes around the world, Christmas day is a time to celebrate with friends and family, open presents with loved ones, eat, drink and be merry. Sometimes though, duty calls…
Giving up their Christmas this year is GNAAS doctor Dion Arbid, pilot Phil Lambert, and paramedics Gordon Ingram, Hollie Smith, and Jemma Kirby.
Holly Taylor chatted to Gordon and Hollie to find out about what it is like leaving family behind at home to be part of the life-saving critical care team on shift at GNAAS across the festive period. Here’s what they said:
What shifts are you guys working over Christmas?
Gordon: This year I am working 8am – 8am on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of December.
Hollie: It’s my first year working Christmas at GNAAS and I am working nights both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. This means I will be based on the critical care car and working from 8pm until 8am the following morning.
Have you worked a Christmas shift before at GNAAS?
Gordon: Yes, I have. Christmas Day can sometimes be a more relaxed shift however we are still operational throughout the day for those that need our help. Just because it is Christmas, that doesn’t change anything.
Hollie: This is my first time!
Do ops have any Christmas traditions?
Gordon: Yes, normally we do usually bring lunch in and if time allows, we watch a Christmas movie and just try and still feel festive although we’re here working. This year, the crew will be based over at Langwathby in Penrith and I will be at our HQ alone managing the air desk. Baxter will of course be with me though and we’ll open his presents together.
Hollie: I haven’t experienced a Christmas at GNAAS yet but I have heard there is traditions – I’m actually excited! I will be bringing in some left overs too for the team when I come in to start nights.
How do you feel about working Christmas?
Gordon: Just because it is Christmas, we don’t stop. Our care is around the clock 24 hours a day and although we hope nobody will need us, we’re here if they do.
Hollie: I’m totally fine with it. I have swapped shifts with some of the team who have young kids so that they can have the evenings with their families. I have generally worked Christmas since I was 19 and worked for the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) so it isn’t anything out of the ordinary for me.
What will you miss the most?
Gordon: Being with family! I think that will definitely be the hardest but I am going to have another Christmas with my two sons when I finish my shifts.
Hollie: Definitely just putting on some new pyjamas and drinking mulled wine in the house with my fiancé. My partner is also working nights over Christmas as he is in the police force so hopefully we might manage to meet for a coffee in a petrol station or something when we’re not busy…who knows.
What are you most looking forward to when you finish?
Gordon: A glass of wine and a Christmas movie by the fire with Baxter.
Hollie: Seeing family! After my Christmas Day night shift I will be having a sleep then going to my dad’s for another Christmas dinner and celebrations but then back to work after that.
What’s your favourite Christmas movie?
Gordon: Elf
Hollie: The original Santa Clause!
What about the best gift you’ve ever received?
Gordon: Definitely my first bike – I think I was about 5.
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