Ella Donaldson, Author at NHS South East Coast Ambulance Service

28 July 2026

Kent 18-month-old meets clinicians after life-saving diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta

The pivotal clinical judgement made by a Thanet crew had a significant impact on the outcome of a 12-day-old baby who was reunited with her care givers in a recent reunion. Now 18-months-old, Evanna from Canterbury in Kent was able to reunite with Paramedic, Lauren and Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Mia, at a reunion at Thanet Make Ready Centre in May. Despite initial observations looking fine

10 July 2026

Ryan’s Legacy delivers life-saving defibrillators across the Isle of Sheppey

Five life-saving defibrillators have been installed across the Isle of Sheppey in memory of former colleague, Ryan O’Bray. The installations mark a significant milestone for Ryan’s Legacy, a fundraising initiative established by Ryan’s parents, Rob and Lisa O’Bray, following the loss of their son. Ryan worked as an Associate Ambulance Practitioner at Sheppey Ambulance Stat

8 July 2026

New hearing impairment badges and hi-vis inserts launched to help colleagues feel seen and supported

A project between hearing-impaired colleagues, field operations and our enABLE staff network has led to the launch of new badges and hi-vis inserts designed to help colleagues feel more visible, understood and supported. With approximately one in three people experiencing some degree of hearing loss during their lifetime, these badges and inserts are designed to help colleagues with hearing impai

8 July 2026

Celebrating our paramedics this International Paramedics Day

This International Paramedics Day, we are celebrating more than 1,900 paramedics across SECAmb and recognising the incredible contribution they make to patients every day. This year’s theme, ‘Innovate and Integrate’, reflects a profession that continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of patients and healthcare systems. SECAmb has a proud history of helping shape that evolution. We were

24 June 2026

Ashford Paramedic shares his family’s experience of Deafblindness this awareness week

Behind every disability is a person and that is the message Ashford Paramedic, Adam Line wants colleagues to remember this Deafblind Awareness Week. Adam’s wife has been registered deafblind since the age of seven due to a rare genetic condition called Alström Syndrome. While she wears bilateral hearing aids that allow her to hear well, her sight has deteriorated significantly over recent ye

18 June 2026

Deputy Head of Operations takes part in rare Royal Marines Colours presentation at Windsor Castle

A once-in-a-quarter-century Royal Marines ceremony at Windsor Castle saw Deputy Head of Operations, Gareth Williams, take part in a historic day of service and tradition. On 5 June 2026, His Majesty The King presented new Colours to the Royal Marines in a rare ceremonial occasion held only once every 25 years. The event brought together serving personnel, veterans, senior military figures and inv

15 June 2026

England’s highest cardiac arrest survival rate achieved again as SECAmb leads nation with focus on major improvement goal

Delivering the highest cardiac arrest survival rate in England again, SECAmb is setting the national standard in life-saving care while working towards its 2024-2029 Trust Strategy target. That strategy includes a commitment to increase cardiac arrest survival rates by five per cent, a goal that underpins ongoing work across the organisation to improve outcomes for patients experiencing one of th

10 June 2026

Kent first aid instructor reunites with ambulance team post heart attack

A Kent first aid instructor has spoken of the moment he realised he needed saving himself, after a hidden and life-threatening condition triggered a heart attack at home. Michael, aged 41 from Ramsgate in Kent was with his partner and three-year-old twins at home when he began experiencing symptoms on the evening of 23 March 2026. He felt restless, with an aching jaw and teeth but believing it mi

6 June 2026

Archbishop of Canterbury sees first-hand impact of ambulance chaplaincy support

The vital role chaplaincy plays in supporting ambulance service colleagues was placed firmly in the spotlight during a recent visit by the Archbishop of Canterbury to SECAmb’s Medway Make Ready Centre. The Most Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, who became Archbishop of Canterbury in March 2026 and is the first woman to hold the office, spent time with colleagues from frontline operations, the E

3 June 2026

Partnership working delivers lifesaving training opportunity for local communities

Strong partnership working with Kent Police and the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit has secured five CPR training manikins to help expand lifesaving training opportunities across the Trust. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Strategic Partnerships Manager, Daryl Devlia and Kent Police’s Chief Inspector, Elizabeth Jones, colleagues from the Trust’s Strategic Partnerships an

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