'One of the best decisions I've made' – fancy joining Kristy as a paramedic in Powys?
A RECENTLY-qualified paramedic who studied and honed her craft in North West England has come to Wales to take up a role in Powys.
Kristy Gordon, who studied in Liverpool and who undertook placements in Manchester, has now secured a job with the Welsh Ambulance Service, based in Welshpool.
The 35-year-old, who lives in Oswestry, applied for a role in Wales to be closer to home and embrace the challenges of working in the countryside.
Kristy said: “All of my experience prior to this role was city-based in built up areas, working out of large, busy ambulance stations in and around Greater Manchester.
“The truth is that being Shropshire born and bred, I’m not very good with cities.
“I joined the Welsh Ambulance Service not only to be closer to home, but because I wanted the challenge of working in a rural area.
“The patient demographic and type of incidents here is so varied, and the longer journey to hospital – sometimes up to an hour – actually affords you more time to put your clinical skills to the test and really think about your management of the patient.
“You can also use that time to get to know your patients really well.
“To chat to a 102-year-old recently was an absolute delight, and having been a member of the Young Farmers’ Club, I also enjoy talking to farmers about their land and livestock.
“Powys is a stunning county, and the scenery is second to none – I often have ‘pinch me’ moments when I’m driving through the countryside.
“The stations are also a lot smaller, and have a real ‘family’ feel.”
Kristy began her career as an osteopath, having been inspired to train by her experience in horse dressage as a youngster.
She said: “It was horse-riding in my 20s which inspired me to be an osteopath, and it was my work as an osteopath and the study of human anatomy which inspired me to train as a paramedic, so it was a natural progression.
“Although I only joined the Trust in February, there’s ample opportunity to progress to an advanced paramedic practitioner or operations manager role.
“Advanced clinical staff are easily accessible for any concerns or queries, and regular ‘ride-outs’ with senior paramedics also present really good learning opportunities.
“Becoming a paramedic was a baptism of fire, but joining the Welsh Ambulance Service was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
Want to join Kristy and her colleagues as a paramedic in Powys?
The Welsh Ambulance Service is still recruiting qualified paramedics in Powys now.
Apply here: Job Advert (jobs.nhs.uk)
The closing date is Friday 04 September 2022.
Editor’s Notes
For more information please call Lois Hough, Head of Communications at the Welsh Ambulance Service on 07866 887559, or email Lois.Hough@wales.nhs.uk