Please click on each member representative to read their bios and for contact information.
Why did you choose to be a Paramedic? People spend most of their lives at work (it seems), so it should be something that you enjoy! I was interested in the training Paramedics must complete to be able to understand such a range of patient presentations in diverse environments. I wondered if this was something I was capable of, so it was a challenge I set myself and a career change from the world of pharmacy. 14yrs later, and I have loved my career as a Paramedic - from Student to Senior Paramedic and trainer, to Lecturer Practitioner at UEA and Clinical Practice Specialist in EEAST, I have been afforded the opportunity to develop and grow in my practice. What happens if you don’t agree with other Council members? I expect to have professional discussion, that’s what we are there for – to challenge appropriately and offer reasoned debate from every perspective. The views should be mine alone but should represent the themes I collect from members in response to the question of the moment, to raise their questions for discussion across the profession. That’s what the College is all about for me – its members should drive and challenge the change. What’s next for you? I am interested in adding to my small collection of level seven modules, perhaps building on to an additional master’s degree. More importantly, the formal academic study gives me deadlines for learning – something that signposts me to actually completing a piece of work. Assessments in the form of case studies are particularly helpful to me in my clinical learning and have given me the tools I need to remain contemporary in my practice. Twitter @HelenH_Para [email protected]
My name is Kevin and I have been a paramedic since 2006 and in the ambulance service since 2001. During my time in what was then Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Ambulance Service and now East of England Ambulance Service I have progressed into many different roles and areas. After being in operational management as a Supervisor and a Leading Operations Manager I moved into training in 2017. This was both as an Educator and a Quality Lead for one of EEASTs regional training centres. My current role is as a Clinical Practice Specialist for Hertfordshire and West Essex. This role enables me to reach a large number of university students, clinicians of all grades, mangers and many other roles. I am also the link tutor for the University of Hertfordshire. My role enables important networking across the whole region, and I plan to use this to push the College and its passion for the development of the profession across EEAST. Networking with members is vital also and my role allows this on a daily basis so please if you see me stop for a chat about all things COP if you can. Education is my main passion and I hope to be able to further enhance the already excellent CPD opportunities that the College offers and to encourage student membership within the region. Alongside this I want to hear from members as to what they want with the direction of the College and how it can further the paramedic profession. One of my other passions is staff welfare and this is something I also hope to further the agenda and help develop even more support for all staff operational or non. I am really looking forward to the next two years as the Council Member for the Eastern Region and I look forward to meeting members, many discussions and representing you all.
I started my career within the pre-hospital emergency care setting back in 2015, when I joined SAS and completed their technician training. Almost immediately after qualifying I started my paramedic training, registering in 2017 whilst working in South West Scotland. Since then I acted as a team leader within SAS, with a focus on training (mainly VQ students) before taking up the advanced paramedic training in 2021. Throughout my time in SAS I realised the importance of working as part of a team, learning from others expertise and making sure you took time to ensure a strong work/life balance. I also learned the importance of easy access to CPD, as well as clinal support from sister agencies. I left SAS in the summer of 2022 to pursue work in the private sector, before finally taking up a post as a lecturer on the BSc paramedic program at GCU. I believe CPD is vital to ensuring high quality care, with my next CPD goal being to complete the DIMC. I aim to work with all Scottish members, be it SAS paramedics, Advanced Practitioners, students and all other members of the college, to ensure the views of Scottish members is heard. I have a number of topics which are close to my heart, including full prescribing rights for AP’s, ease of access to free or discounted CPD and promotion of inter-professional working, but I welcome any topics which are important to you the members. [email protected]
My name is Jacq O’Neill and I have been with Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for 19 years, and been a Paramedic for 16 years. I am standing as NI Representative for the Paramedic Council and feel I am best placed to carry out all that the role of Regional Representative entails. I have acted as liaison for the College for over 10 years, and have always strived to be an excellent representative of both the College and of Paramedics here in NI. I have served as Alternate Rep for many years, and have enjoyed organising College Continuous Professional Development events, sharing other opportunities for CPD and representing the College with the AHP Federation in NI and at other events where necessary. I am passionate about progressing the education of Paramedics, student paramedics and those who aspire to be Paramedics, and hope to organise many more in-person CPD events now that Covid restrictions have lifted. I think in-person training gives people the chance to enhance their current knowledge and learn new skills, and also provides an excellent opportunity to share experiences and help their mental health. As a passionate peer support volunteer for NIAS, I believe emotional support is essential for all staff and look for any opportunity to offer this. When I started my NIAS career, I initially worked on a frontline ambulance and for almost ten years as a solo responder on a rapid response vehicle, both in rural and urban areas of the country. My current role with NIAS is as a Paramedic within the Community Resuscitation Team, where I teach members of the public essential first aid skills, and also how to cascade their knowledge to others. This role allows me greater networking opportunities and the chance to represent the Paramedic profession far outside the organisation I work for. I work with Community First Responders, teachers within the Education Authority, local councils and many other individuals and organisations across NI, and look for any opportunities to enhance the reputation of Paramedics and the work of the College. I was delighted to be awarded the title of Companion of the College of Paramedics last year for the work I have undertaken as both a Paramedic and College member. As a member representative of the Paramedic Council, I would continue to promote the corporate vision of the College here in NI and work within the Council to ensure Paramedics in Northern Ireland are represented at a national level with understanding and positive energy. Whilst this role is a unique opportunity for anyone to represent the college, I feel I have the drive, commitment and outlook to meet the needs and voices of you all, and it would be a privilege to represent you.
Mark has been a member of the College of Paramedics since joining the ambulance service in 2015. He has attended multiple events and as a member felt very supported by the CPD provision. Mark is now a Senior lecturer and course lead for the Paramedic Science degree and apprenticeship at the University of Worcester. He is currently practicing as an Advanced Paramedic Practitioner in primary and out-of-hours urgent care. Mark has a long history in the emergency services, for both the fire and rescue and ambulance service. My goal as West-Midlands member representative is to increase the provision of in-person or hybrid CPD, increase support for those members on alternative career paths to the traditional ambulance service and support students wishing to become full members upon qualifying. Marks inbox is always open, feel free to drop me an email with any suggestions, queries or concerns that you would like raising.
I have been a registered paramedic since 2002. I was one of the first paramedics to complete an MSc in advanced practice in 2011, and became a non-medical prescriber in 2021. My current role is Clinical Services Manager overseeing a team of clinical leaders and multi-disciplinary team of Physician Associates, advanced practitioners, nurses, and GPs. I manage services as diverse as Urgent Community Response across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield to Covid Medicines Delivery dispensing antiviral and monoclonal antibody medications to extremely vulnerable patients. We also have 2 Urgent Treatment Centres, a walk-in centre and the out of hours service for West Yorkshire. I act as Tactical Command for my organisation out of hours. As a Clinical Services Manager with a paramedic background, I have a strategic view of services commissioned by ICBs and have worked with NHSE. My primary focus is the nationally commissioned Urgent Community Response (UCR) delivering care to patients within 2 hours who are in a health or social crisis. I work across the NHS, third sector and local councils. I work closely with external stakeholders including paramedic colleagues. I am committed to continuing professional development and the promotion of the extensive skills of paramedics. I also recognise the challenges facing the profession ranging from mental health concerns to long waits at hospitals, funding pressures and retention of staff. Opportunities to specialise in critical and urgent care will help with this, as well as leading roles in community care but the profession needs credible and enthusiastic trailblazers to create the channels for communication and innovation. I believe that I can fulfil this role – I am an advocate for advanced practice roles and have worked hard to prove our collective skills to other healthcare professionals. As an experienced leader I can demonstrate integrity and can view the profession objectively, I have a sense of realism about the limitations many paramedics express concern about. It’s important to listen to those who occupy paramedic roles who are newly qualified, or approaching retirement in non-specialised roles, supporting them in undertaking their roles with dignity, equity and appropriate support. As a representative of the profession, I would expect to be accountable and open to constructive criticism and suggestions, a good listener and take time to understand the views of all members to encourage a sense of belonging. As a Fellow of the NHS Leadership Academy and a senior manager in my organisation I expect to show leadership and feel that I can demonstrate honesty and openness. Listening to members is crucial to understanding the challenges faced by paramedics from all backgrounds – considering their wellbeing and health, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, embracing diversity and learning about the places we all work across the UK. As a leader I expect to empower members to build relationships that support a multicultural society to reflect the places we work. I am professional, credible and enthusiastic. I feel that membership of the College is a crucial element in driving forward the interests of our profession and the patients we serve. Twitter @Louisewhittake7
My career began in the Southwest as a Community First Responder and RNLI Beach Lifeguard, where I rapidly grew to admire and look up to the Paramedics I came across at the time. This inspired me to apply for my undergraduate Paramedic Science at Northampton University, where I graduated in 2011. Since then, my career has spanned frontline work as a Paramedic and then Specialist Paramedic for SWAST, including completing the RCOP Primary and Urgent Care Diploma in 2015. From here I then had the opportunity to begin my Advanced Paramedic Practice journey, achieving an MSc alongside the Royal College of Emergency Medicine dual adult and paediatric ACP credential. As part of my current role, I work across the spectrum or urgent and emergency care working from minor injuries to resus and critical care in a Southwest DGH ED. Alongside my clinical work, I have a passion for education, and I am currently the educational lead for ED enhanced and advanced practice as well as a visiting clinical fellow/ lecturer in Paramedic Science. As educational lead I contribute to curriculum development and the professional growth of Student Paramedics/ Paramedics on placement in our department, as well as enhanced and advanced practitioners. Alongside this I am co-creator of General Broadcast a pre-hospital education podcast. My involvement with the Royal College of Paramedics has been shaped by a desire to support professional development, champion the voice of the paramedic profession, and challenge archaic and outdated views of our profession by promoting the high levels of care I know Paramedics can provide. I believe strongly in autonomy and empowering Paramedics to practise confidently across all levels of the RCOP career framework from newly qualified to advanced and consultant level practice and how as a HCPC regulated profession we provide knowledge, expertise and strong clinical acumen across all these levels, not only for patient care delivery but in shaping the future of urgent and emergency care provision. As the representative for the Southwest, my priorities include amplifying the voices of members, improving engagement across services and universities, and ensuring that regional needs directly influence national College activity. I am particularly focused on supporting advanced practice pathways, strengthening clinical supervision structures, and advocating for equitable access to education and career progression. I am driven by a commitment to high‑quality patient care, professional empowerment, and meaningful collaboration. I aim to represent the Southwest with integrity, and a clear focus on improving the working lives and clinical impact of Paramedics across our region.
Hi, I’m Liam, a registered paramedic currently serving in the Royal Air Force, and I’m proud to be the Military and Overseas Representative on the Paramedic Council. I’ve served in the RAF for 11 years and qualified as a paramedic in 2021. Since then, I’ve worked both in the UK and overseas, giving me first-hand experience of the unique challenges—and huge value—that military and international paramedics bring to the profession. Those experiences are what drive my passion for making sure our voices are heard, understood, and properly represented. I care deeply about the future of paramedicine, both in civilian life and within Defence. In my Council role, I’m committed to breaking down barriers, improving access to opportunities, and ensuring military and overseas paramedics feel included, supported, and recognised at every level. I work closely with Defence leaders and the Royal College of Paramedics to build stronger connections and highlight the important work happening across these settings. I currently work clinically in London, with the Physician Response Unit and in the East of England. Outside of work, I enjoy switching off by getting outdoors and walking my two springer spaniels, Pippin and Trooper, who keep me busy (and very active). I’m friendly, approachable, and always happy to help. Please feel free to get in touch—I welcome contact from all members and will do my best to support you however I can.
At the age of 45 I attended The University of Northampton where I was fortunate enough to gain a place on the FdSc Paramedic Degree. Not something I ever believed I could do when I consider my learning difference (dyslexia). I have been qualified since 2021 and am close to finishing my BSc this year. I have spent the last three years on EMAS SORT and I aim to continue with this work until my body gives up. This is my second public service career and have spent more than 20 years serving communities across the Midlands. The transferable skills I gained while an Officer with HM Prison Service have, not only, left me with a passion for safety and security but the necessary empathy to be successful in the ambulance sector, both with patients and colleagues. So, what am I interested in from a College perspective? Staff Mental Health, fitness and wellbeing, Geriatric and End of Life Care, and supporting new staff through their education. As a former mature student myself, I am particularly interested in the experience of the more "mature" student and NQ clinician. I also want to do more to promote the College to colleagues in the East Midlands region. If anyone has any questions, thoughts, ideas or comments, you should absolutely feel free to contact me. [email protected]
Henry has eight years of leadership experience working in both the congress and executive council of the Paramedic Students' Association of Nigeria (PasAN), as well as serving as the National Representative of the Association of Emergency Medical Technologist, Paramedics (AEMT-P) for Lagos State, Nigeria. Henry is currently the Paramedic Council Representative for London and works for the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust. Within the London Ambulance Service, Henry is the Co-chair of the International Staff Network. He works to ensure International Paramedics, especially from Africa are well supported in their role and get settled in London. Henry’s involvement with the college dates back to 2020. When he served as the President of the Paramedic Students’ Association of Nigeria, he was able to get the Paramedic students in Nigeria to participate virtually in the UK Paramedic Students Conference. He spoke at the first International Education Conference organised by the College of Paramedics, Australian College of Paramedicine, and Paramedic Association of Canada in 2021. In addition, he chaired part of the National Conference of the College in 2022 and networked to engage Paramedics from five African countries to participate in the International Paramedics Day. Henry has always been a great advocate of the college and with his years of experience leading Paramedic Students and Paramedics, he is convinced he will be able to promote regional engagement, collaboration with members, and work to also support the Student Council in London as well as working with the CPD Team to promote CPD events within the region/sector. Henry admires the College's commitment to promoting diversity, equity, belonging, and wellbeing; being from a black background, he strongly believes that he could help the college grow exponentially with these visions in mind.
David Davis FCPara, FBCS, MSc, DIC, PGCert, LFEDIP is a senior clinical leader and recognised contributor to digital health, clinical informatics and ambulance service transformation. He is Chief Clinical Information Officer at London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, where he leads digital clinical practice, AI, clinical safety and innovation, while continuing to work frontline ambulance shifts as a practising clinician. Across a varied career in ambulance services, commissioning and national programmes, David has held senior clinical leadership and director roles with NHS Sussex, South East Coast Ambulance Service, NHS England, the Department of Health and the Health and Social Care Information Centre. His work has spanned urgent and emergency care, workforce development, mental health, suicide prevention, patient safety, governance, stroke care, telephone triage and digitally enabled service design. David is a Fellow of the Royal College of Paramedics and has contributed extensively to the development of the profession through communications, parliamentary engagement, mental health, stroke care, professional standards and national clinical governance. He has supported the College’s mental health and wellbeing work, including practitioner wellbeing and the care of people experiencing mental health crisis, and has represented paramedics in multidisciplinary, national and parliamentary settings. Alongside his NHS and professional leadership roles, David provides consultancy and expert witness services in paramedic practice, telephone triage, digital health and clinical informatics. His current additional roles include Governing Council Member of Health Practice Associates, Non-Executive Director and Board Member of the NHS Clinical Leaders Network, member of the South East Coast Clinical Senate Council, and Editorial Board Member and Reviewer for the Journal of Paramedic Practice. David is focused on representing members, strengthening diversity of representation for and of the profession, and ensuring that voices from frontline, specialist, leadership, digital, clinical and wider healthcare settings are heard and valued.
I am a second-year Paramedic student, who feels strongly that student welfare and health are extremely important throughout their years of studying. I aim to ensure that every single student in the College gets the best possible experience and support, by attending CPD events, webinars, and sharing other useful resources on mental health and wellbeing. I have previously stood on committees for football refereeing, as a support worker, youth representative, and vice chairperson. I am an active supporter of the Rainbow Laces campaign which promotes diversity and the LGBTQIA+ within the football industry. [email protected]