Northamptonshire Paramedic Sam Sears has once again stepped up to help those in need by heading to Rwanda to support the humanitarian effort and aid the country after the Marburg Virus Disease outbreak.
Earlier last year, Sam, a Duty Commander and Paramedic based at Kettering Ambulance Station, went over to Turkey to help following earthquakes in the country.
Sam, from Sudborough, Northamptonshire, left the UK on 28 October 2024 to spend three weeks with charity UK Med; the frontline medical aid charity who provide support to countries hit by crises or disasters.
Sam has been a volunteer with UK Med since 2012 and prior to his journey to Rwanda and Turkey, he was previously deployed with the charity to Ukraine following the crises in the country and Sierra Leone during the Ebola pandemic.
As with his journey to Turkey and Ukraine, the main focus for Sam has been providing as much help on the ground as he possibly can.
He said:
“I enjoy the challenge of being a paramedic in a sometimes austere environment, as well as going 'back to basics' with emergency aid. It is rewarding to support and help people in need that are usually in a less privileged position than we are in the UK.
“I was contacted to assist in Rwanda following an assessment team that concluded the country needs more support and guidance in their Emergency Medical Service during the current Marburg outbreak. I have previous experience in viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) when I assisted in Sierra Leone with Ebola and alongside my vocation of being a paramedic, was a suitable candidate.”
Sam has thanked his family, friends and colleagues at EMAS, who, he says have been incredibly supportive in his journey to helping others.
“EMAS has supported my release from work and my colleagues have covered any shortfalls if required to, which I am incredibly grateful for.
“My partner and mum are the biggest worriers, but are content in supporting me to deploy. I am thankful for their understanding and look forward to seeing them when I return.”
You can support Sam and the UK Med teams in Rwanda through the UK Med website.