The critical care paramedic and patient liaison lead, Rob Davies, talks about his role responding to some of the most traumatic and life-threatening incidents as part of the front-line Midlands Air Ambulance team

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

I started my career as a tree surgeon, but made the change to work in the pre-hospital environment with Surrey Ambulance Service in 2001, where I had my technician and paramedic training. I moved to the Midlands in 2008 and joined West Midlands Ambulance Service. From 2013, I have been fortunate enough to work with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity which is something I am exceptionally proud of. The charity has supported me in my training and qualifications to become a critical care paramedic, which means my colleagues and I are able to perform more advanced treatment to patients in critical need.

IT’S WHAT I DO

I work as a critical care paramedic on the charity’s fleet of air ambulance helicopters and critical care cars, responding to some of the most traumatic and life-threatening incidents in our area. I am also part of the Patient Liaison or Aftercare team. My colleague Kerry and I contact and engage with patients, their families and loved ones, and on occasion bystanders at incidents. We are there to offer support, answer any questions they may have, offer signposting to other services or just be a listening ear. It’s a really rewarding role and one we are passionate about at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE

My ambition is to continue to provide the best possible pre-hospital care to our patients when they need us most and assist with the further development of the patient liaison service, engaging with as many people as we can. I firmly believe that we have a bigger part to play in the long-term recovery and rehabilitation of our patients and their families.

BIGGEST SUCCESS

I am immensely proud to work for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and I feel that working as a critical care paramedic is my biggest professional success to date. Winning an award from the charity for our patient liaison work was a big, but very nice, surprise. Personally, being married to my wife Karina for nearly 20 years and having our two children, Carrie and Patrick, makes me proud every day in the way that they are growing into young adults.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED

I should have tried harder in school – I’m a slow starter (some still agree!). But once I joined the ambulance service, I found something I was really interested in and studying became easier. I love being able to practically apply the theory.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM

As a family we love getting a train into Birmingham city centre and spending the day there with a mixture of shopping, getting food at independent restaurants and perhaps the cinema or theatre. It’s convenient and easy to get around with lots of variety.

DOWNTIME

I’m an avid fan of anything two wheels, so getting out on my motorbike or cycling is a great way to unwind. I also love to watch my children in theatre and dance productions.

ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD…

If you or a loved one has been treated by our team at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, we would like to hear from you and support your on-going recovering. So, do please get in touch via patientliaison@midlandsairambulance.com