Adrian Utting and his son, Ashley Utting, both work on the frontline for East Midlands Ambulance Service. Adrian trained as a Paramedic and is now a Specialist Practitioner. Ashley, an Ambulance Support Crew (ASC), followed in his dad’s footsteps by joining EMAS in 2022.
Being in the same line of work means they can share experiences, support each other when days get tough, and even get the chance to work together sometimes.
Both cadets since they were 13 years old, Adrian and Ashley credit the RAF Cadets as the inspiration for their journeys to the ambulance service.
Adrian explains, “My time as a cadet prepared me for the teamwork, dedication and training required in the ambulance service."
Now both Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers, they guide young people through new experiences and support them to develop into confident and skilled adults. Through their work with the cadets, they’re passing on many skills they use every day at EMAS, including communication, teamwork, and first aid.
Adrian's journey at EMAS
Adrian started his career as an engineer and welder, but the trade was declining in the UK, so he began looking for a change. In 2001, Adrian joined EMAS’s Patient Transport Service as an Ambulance Care Assistant.
"I was originally based at Oakham before transferring to Goodwood station in Leicester, because it was closer to home.
Adrian quickly progressed at EMAS. In 2004, he trained to become an Ambulance Technician. In 2007, he became a Paramedic and two years later he was a Paramedic Team Leader.
Adrian's progression didn't stop there. In 2010, he trained to become an Associate Clinical Tutor. In 2013, he was a Clinical Tutor, and by 2020, he was a Specialist Practitioner.
Adrian has been a member of EMAS’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT) for ten years, a team that volunteers and has been trained for major incidents such a chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear. He is also a volunteer Medical First Responder, responding to emergency 999 calls in his local community.
"No two days at EMAS are the same. I've had many opportunities to progress through different roles and I’ve made lifelong friends. As a Clinical Tutor, I found it rewarding to watch others start their careers and grow into successful paramedics. Most importantly, I take pride in making a difference to our patients and their families.
“When I was diagnosed with Dyslexia, I was fully supported by the trust; it has never impacted my career progression.
"As a Specialist Practitioner, I attend incidents where my extended scope of practice allows me to provide care that keeps patients at home safely and limits unnecessary trip to hospitals. This includes suturing wounds and administering antibiotics. I also support patients at the end of life and provide advanced pain relief. I assist crews with on-scene decision-making and lead on cardiac arrests and advanced airway management.”
Ashley's journey to EMAS
Before joining EMAS, Ashley worked as an apprentice Clinic Coordinator at University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL). He joined EMAS as an Ambulance Support Crew (ASC) in 2022.
"I was drawn to EMAS because I know, from my dad’s experience, that there are good career progression opportunities."
While Ashley has only been at EMAS for two years, he is focused on the next steps in his career. His aim is to complete his FREC 5 course which will qualify him as an Ambulance Technician.
Like his dad, Ashley loves the variety in his day-to-day role.
"No two days or jobs are ever the same. Most importantly, I love knowing that I am making a difference to people in their time of need.
"I'm currently on secondment as an Urgent Care Assistant (UCA) at Goodwood Station. I respond to patients that have been referred for further assessment. I record the patient’s information and, if needed, transport them to hospital."
Adrian and Ashley enjoy having each other in the same line of work.
"It helps having someone to talk to who understands the challenges of the job. We can share experiences and support each other." - Ashley
"Having Ashley in the same line of work is great. It's been rewarding to see him progress in his role." - Adrian
Follow in Adrian and Ashley’s footsteps
It takes a lot of different skills and experiences to run an ambulance service. We advertise new vacancies on our website.
"If you see a job advertised, apply! Don't be afraid to showcase your skills and how they can benefit the service. There's always room for growth and development." - Ashley
"No two days are the same, and there are plenty of opportunities for training and progression. You can make a real difference in people's lives and form lasting friendships." - Adrian
If Adrian and Ashley's stories have inspired you and you are thinking about a career in the ambulance service, you can visit our website to learn more about working with us and browse our current job vacancies.