The highs of 2022 as told by our paramedics

It has been a year of unprecedented firsts here at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and we couldn’t be more proud of all that we have achieved.

This year, the charity has had so much to celebrate, all of which wouldn’t have been possible without your help.

We chatted with our paramedics to find out just what it was that made this year so special for them.

Here’s what they had to say:

Paramedic and training manager, Jamie Walsh, said: “My highlight definitely has to be flying the Jet Suit in the Lake District. Also, providing medical cover on a remote motorcycle adventure in Vietnam. It has been a ridiculous year, the amount everyone has crammed in and the change to the organisation both charity and operations have made it unrecognisable.”

Paramedic, Gordon Ingram, said: “For me, my highlight of the year was gaining our outstanding CQC rating.”

Director of operations, Andy Mawson, said: “Our CQC rating for sure. And, the recruitment process to deliver 24/7 across the whole region started this year too….that’s massive for me. I’d mention my Jet Suit flight but I only went about 10 metres before Jamie got all the flying!”

Paramedic, Hollie Smith, said: “For me, it’s graduating and starting GNAAS in Jan. Also, passing my sign off in July then getting engaged in October! It’s been a whirlwind of a year.”

Paramedic, Lee Salmon, said: “Seeing all the new docs, new paramedics, pilots and dispatchers all join the team. Seeing them all learn and adapt and have direct impact on some significant cases. Seeing everyone reflect/adapt and move forward as a single team with a united goal – it’s been amazing.”

Paramedic, Andy Dalton, said: “My highlight of the year has been our drive towards 24/7 and seeing some new operational staff arrive and settle in very well.”

Paramedic, Jake Gunn, said: “Getting through sign-off has definitely been a highlight as well as helping out on courses, and working with lots of new people. That, and getting over the finish line on the Great North Run dressed in the mascot costume.”