This month marks International Paramedics Day, shining a light on the work of paramedics across the East of England.
The day is celebrated on 8 July, the birthday of French military surgeon Dominique Jean Larrey, who created the first forms of ambulances during the Napoleonic wars in the 1790s. Fittingly, Larrey is seen as the father of modern ambulance services.
To mark the occasion, the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has gathered new figures over the past year, and the statistics speak for themselves:
814,842 face-to-face incidents: Paramedics, pre-hospital practitioners, emergency medical technicians and emergency care assistants have responded to 814,842 face-to-face incidents.
115,173 callers: Offering expert clinical assessments and advice to patients when a 999 call doesn’t need an ambulance, over the past year, the Clinical Assessment Service (CAS) has successfully helped 115,173 callers by helping them find alternative services or advising on self-care.
Over 20,000 patients: When patients need care but not an ambulance a team of advanced paramedics in urgent care are often able to assess and treat them safely at home. Over 20,000 patients have been supported by advanced paramedics in urgent care in the last year.
22,538 999 calls: EEAST paramedics have also played a key role in Unscheduled Care Coordination Hubs (UCCHs). In the last year alone, these hubs have managed 22,538 emergency calls through community partners, without the need for an ambulance response.
1,000 volunteers: Paramedics also help with the training and coordination of the region’s network of Community First Responder (CFR) groups, made up of nearly 1,000 volunteers
These statistics show that paramedics do so much more than the traditional image of ambulances and blue lights.
They are a big part of the reason we and those we love and care about get treatment, whether it is transporting someone to and from hospitals or giving expert advice and or treatment themselves.
Simon Chase, chief paramedic (Allied Health Professional) & director of quality, said: “Every day, paramedics – along with all our clinicians in green – across the East of England demonstrate extraordinary skill, compassion, and resilience.
“Whether they’re responding to emergencies, supporting patients at home, or working behind the scenes to improve care, their impact is profound.
“On International Paramedics Day, we celebrate not just what they do, but who they are – dedicated professionals who embody unity and community in every aspect of their work. I’m incredibly proud to stand alongside them.”
Neill Moloney, Chief Executive of EEAST, said: “On International Paramedics Day, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every paramedic across the East of England Ambulance Service and all their colleagues who work alongside them.
“Thank you for everything you do to keep our communities safe and cared for.”
Published as part of our work experience partnership with Sharnbrook Academy
