Michelle Taylor joined the Royal Navy as a Medic in 2005. After serving for five years in the Navy, she began her career in the NHS, which soon led her to the ambulance service. Michelle joined our Derbyshire Division as an Ambulance Technician, and has since retrained as a Paramedic.
Michelle has shared her story about her civilian resettlement in Civvy Street Magazine.
Navy career and resettlement
“I was inspired to join the Navy in my early twenties, when I helped a man who went into cardiac arrest while I was working in a shop. I realised that day that I wanted to train to save lives.
My years in the Navy were some of the best of my life. I have incredible memories and lifelong friends. However, when I started a family it became obvious that civilian life would be better suited to our needs – so I began the transition to civvy street.
After leaving the Navy, I worked as a Health Care Assistant in a GP surgery before I made the leap to the ambulance service – and I’ve never looked back."
Career at EMAS
"Because I’d received a high standard of training in emergency care in the Navy, I started my career at EMAS as a direct-entry Ambulance Technician. The role involves responding to all types of medical emergencies. One of the main differences between a Technician and a Paramedic is the types of drugs they can administer and their level of clinical responsibility. We all provide urgent and emergency care to people in times of need.
My Navy training meant I eased into the role quickly and comfortably. EMAS has continued to support my professional development, including through my university studies. In 2019, I graduated from Coventry University with a Foundation Degree in Paramedic Science. I’m now a proud EMAS Paramedic, and have just completed another qualification in Pre-Hospital Emergency Care. This training will support me for years to come as I continue to specialise and progress my career.
One of the best parts about working for EMAS – and the reason it works for me – is the balance between work, family, and study. Throughout my time here, I’ve been encouraged to develop and learn. I’ve also been supported to work flexibly for my family. By flexing my shift patterns with my partner, we can make sure one of us is always at home for our daughter, Grace.
EMAS has a guaranteed interview scheme for ex-Service personnel who meet the essential criteria in the job specification and pass initial screening – if I’d known this when I left the Navy, I would have applied straight away. But I hope sharing my story means that I get to see many more fellow veterans join the EMAS family out on the road.”
