In this week’s episode of the RTB (Return To Base) podcast, Emergency Operations Centre Trainer Ria Killmister-Dawson speaks to Andy Williams, South Division Patient Transport Operational Manager about the vital service our Patient Transport Service (PTS) provides to NEAS and the wider healthcare system. 

This episode highlights how our service isn't just for emergency ambulances, what it is like to work within the Patient Transport Service, the different roles within PTS and the importance of this service for our patients across the North East.

If you'd like to get in touch about anything you've heard on RTB, or if you want to suggest a topic for us to cover in a future episode, you can email us at [email protected]

Dispatching ambulances is like a game of chess. In episode two of the RTB podcast, Emergency Operations Centre trainer Ria Killmister-Dawson speaks to dispatch manager Andy Bell about how each member of the dispatch team at North East Ambulance Service moves resources around the region to reach those in need.

If you'd like to get in touch about anything you've heard on RTB, or if you want to suggest a topic for us to cover in a future episode, you can email us at [email protected]

In the first episode of our second series of RTB, Patient Transport Service operations manager Amy Rosindale speaks to Helen Morris, an experienced paramedic now working as a senior clinical advisor and one of nearly 50 Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) practitioners supporting NEAS colleagues in dealing with traumatic incidents.

In their chat, Helen explains how trauma affects us all in different ways and the crucial role TRiM can play in supporting ambulance colleagues.

CONTENT WARNING: Due to the nature of this topic, some listeners may find some of the content in this episode distressing or triggering. 

If you'd like to get in touch about anything you've heard on RTB, or if you want to suggest a topic for us to cover in a future episode, you can email us at [email protected].

Jason O'Connell, clinical education officer at NEAS, speaks to specialist paramedic Luke Morrison about traumatic cardiac arrest. In their chat, Luke explains the difference between a traumatic cardiac arrest and a regular one, what his advice would be for crews dealing with this type of situation, and how he sees the specialist paramedic role expanding in the future. 

If you'd like to get in touch about anything you've heard on RTB, or if you want to suggest a topic for us to cover in a future episode, you can email us at [email protected].

Jason O'Connell, clinical education officer at NEAS, talks about call taking with Emergency Operations Centre trainer Ria Killmister-Dawson. In their conversation, Ria tells Jason about the work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure callers get the right support, including training and feedback. 

If you'd like to get in touch about anything you've heard on RTB, or if you want to suggest a topic for us to cover in a future episode, you can email us at [email protected].

Paramedic apprentice James Atkinson talks to Jess Boon, a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian at NEAS, all about the work that she and her team does to encourage staff to feel able to give feedback about anything that affects them at work. In their conversation, Jess talks about the lessons that have been learned from the past in this area, and what she and her team are doing to help staff feel free to speak up - both now and in the future.   

If you'd like to get in touch about anything you've heard on RTB, or if you want to suggest a topic for us to cover in a future episode, you can email us at [email protected].

Paramedic Mark Selling speaks to Staff Psychological Wellbeing Advisor, Andy Walton, about the importance of looking after our mental health. In their conversation, Andy talks about the occupational health support available to NEAS staff, including services like TRIM and Talking Therapies, and about NEAS's own Mental Maintenance project.   

If you'd like to get in touch about anything you've heard on RTB, or if you want to suggest a topic for us to cover in a future episode, you can email us at [email protected].

Paramedic Mark Selling speaks to Amy Rosindale, Scheduled Care Operations Manager for the North Division, about the way patient transport has evolved over recent years, the difference it makes to patients, how different parts of the service work together with partners to support patients with complex moving and handling situations, and how the service is improving for the future. 

If you'd like to get in touch about anything you've heard on RTB, or if you want to suggest a topic for us to cover in a future episode, you can email us at [email protected].

Paramedic apprentice James Atkinson talks to NEAS's Director of Paramedicine, Andrew Hodge, about the future of paramedicine. In their conversation, Andy tells James how he came to take on this new role, how things have changed during his two decades in the ambulance service, and how he sees paramedicine evolving over the coming years. 

If you'd like to get in touch about anything you've heard on RTB, or if you want to suggest a topic for us to cover in a future episode, you can email us at [email protected].

RTB (Return To Base) is a podcast from North East Ambulance Service. In each episode, NEAS team members James Atkinson, Jason O'Connell or Mark Selling speak to expert colleagues to try and answer some of the big questions staff members have about working in the ambulance service, from day-to-day issues like mental health and the importance of speaking up, to big picture ideas like the future of paramedicine.