Kirstie Roberts is one of our E-mazing Ambulance Support Crew (ASC) here at EMAS, who will ring in 2024 by helping patients who need us in Lincolnshire.
Having always wanted to become a paramedic, Kirstie joined EMAS in June 2022 in her ASC role, which she says has given her the foundations and knowledge to be able to naturally progress towards her dream career.
“This will be my second year on the run working the New Year's Eve night shift.
“As a family, we have always celebrated New Year's Eve together, so it is difficult working and missing out on family celebrations. However, I knew signing up to the ambulance service, it’s a 24/7, 365 day a year service.
“Patients require an ambulance on any day of the year and need our medical help.”
Despite being away from her family and friends in order to help others in need over the festive season, Kirstie and her colleagues will be making every effort to mark this special time of year.
“Colleagues decorate stations for the Christmas and New Year period, and we all bring in mince pies and food to boost morale and enjoy the festive period together.
“After all, we spend more time with our crew mates and colleagues than we do with our families.”
Kirstie explains the common themes of emergency calls she responds to over the New Year period.
“Last New Year, I was expecting to attend lots of drunk patients.
“Surprisingly, the type of jobs we were called to were the same as any other day. We attended a patient with chest pain, a patient who had a seizure, a patient with abdominal pain, and a patient with suspected Covid-19.
“I have to say that the patients I attended last New Year's Eve were all grateful. One patient and their relatives were insistent that we took some chocolate to keep us going through the night shift, which was very nice of them.”
While Kirstie is ready to respond to patients who need us in a life-threatening emergency, she hopes in the nicest possible way not to be meeting you and shares her top-tip on how to have a safe and enjoyable new year.
“If you are going out drinking with friends and family, make sure you have a plan to get home safely.
“Also, make sure you do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach and alternate drinking soft drinks in between alcoholic drinks.
“Most of all, have fun!”