Frontline to flexibility: Paramedic careers that fit around you 

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 Sophie, an incredible professional working at Practice Plus Group who is thriving in her career as a paramedic, whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance.   

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 in our 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.