Frontline to flexibility: Paramedic careers that fit around you
Happy International Paramedics Day!
Paramedics are the backbone of urgent and emergency care. After years spent on the frontline, some paramedics might find themselves at a crossroads, where they might feel that the job they love does not necessarily offer balance and flexibility.
On this International Paramedics Day, we are celebrating some of the incredible professionals working at Practice Plus Group who are thriving in their career as paramedics, whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
A new balance
After over 12 years in the ambulance service, Joanne, now an Emergency Care Technician at HMP The Mount, realised it was time for a change after missing out on a family Christmas nine times in 12 years. She shares:
“I loved the work, but I missed out on so many special moments with my loved ones… I needed to find” a more balanced schedule.”
“I work here Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. It’s given me the freedom to be with my family and take care of myself and them like never before,” Joanne says. “I want to keep growing in my career while also enjoying my life outside of work. Here, I get both. It’s a small but supportive team, and we all learn from one another every day.”
Similarly, Simon Andrew, a Clinical Advisor and seasoned paramedic with over two decades of global experience, joined the team in NHS 111 at Practice Plus Group in 2024.
“Being a Clinical Advisor can be mentally challenging, but I love the working environment,” Simon explains. “You don’t feel isolated. Your voice is heard and counted on.”
For Simon, flexibility has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling career. “The job fits around my life. I get the headspace to take care of my priorities and mental health. At the same time, the role remains challenging and rewarding.”
Sophie Everett, Lead Paramedic Practitioner at our Portsmouth Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), transitioned from the ambulance service to a leadership role. She recalls:
“You get to a confident level, but the mentoring and skill development just weren’t there anymore. When I joined Practice Plus Group, I was supported from the start. I was supported to do a postgraduate certificate, X-ray interpretation, and now I’m in the final year of my Masters to become an Advanced Clinical Practitioner. I’ve gone from initial assessment practitioner to Lead Paramedic in five years, and every step was backed by the team.”
What sets Sophie’s current role apart? “It’s fast-paced and rewarding. No two days are the same. We have alternate weekends off, flexible leave, and an admin team that helps make time off actually possible. That work-life balance has been a game changer. That’s made a huge difference in my personal life.”
A better way forward for paramedics
Across Practice Plus Group, paramedics are building meaningful and rewarding careers whether it’s in secure environments, NHS 111 or urgent treatment centres, roles are designed with flexibility and career progression in mind.
As Sophie puts it:
“We have clear pathways, structured portfolios, and funding to support everyone’s development. Eight of our junior colleagues are already on the advanced clinical practice journey and they are fully supported.”
We want our paramedics to thrive professionally and personally. On this International Paramedics Day, we honour not just the critical role paramedics play in healthcare, but the importance of their wellbeing, growth, and future.