HART operative Hannah Mitchelmore is breaking boundaries as well as developing new skills to improve patient care and safety. Hannah has just passed the final assessment to qualify as the first female Rope Rescue Operator Instructor in SECAmb. Literal high points of the course included hanging in suspension underneath the Tamar Bridge in Plymouth and working at the top of a 120m high reservoir int
The operating uniform for SECAmb’s Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) is changing colour. New ground kit designed in high visibility yellow and navy blue will provide enhanced protection for specialist operations. While the new PPE means better safety for teams operating in high-risk environments, having to change from the former green uniform does pose some challenges. “HART operatives ha
As we head towards Remembrance Sunday, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal rightly takes national prominence, supported as always by SECAmb. However, fundraising to show support for the Armed Forces community goes on all year round. Someone who has helped the RBL raise many thousands of pounds is Nicola Sykes, a member of the ambulance service for 26 years and an Operational Team Leader at the
As part of supporting Remembrance events this year, Trust vehicles have again been wrapped with a specially designed livery recognising the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in times of conflict. Following suggestions from our Armed Forces Network, this year’s design – which is funded by Fleet – includes a Spitfire, marking its upcoming 90th anniversary, and VJ Day, which commemorated its 80
A courageous bystander and the rapid response of South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) crews have been praised after a man collapsed at a local railway station. In October two years ago, John arrived at North Camp station to catch a train to Guildford. He remembers feeling some chest pain that morning, but it soon went and he dismissed it as a muscle strain. But as he sat down at the platfor
Community First Responders (CFRs) are saddling up to take SECAmb’s latest innovation off-road to improve patient care. Three e-bikes have been specially kitted-out with life-saving medical supplies, aiming to improve response times and increase accessibility in hard-to-reach locations. It’s an idea that Frank Doel, an ambulance technician and CFR team leader for the Manhood Peninsula area of Susse
Applauding teen heroism, honouring long service and marking the achievements of colleagues made for a glittering SECAmb Awards Ceremony 2025. The event, on Thursday 9 October at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking, was attended by 183 people. “I never cease to be amazed at the devotion and exemplary care which all SECAmb people and our volunteers demonstrate for the patients and communities whom we ser
The public are urged to learn how to save a life as South East Coast Ambulance Service delivers free CPR training at local venues this week for Restart a Heart Day (16 October). Restart a Heart is an annual Resuscitation Council UK event which sees people encouraged to learn vital life-saving training, as bystander CPR can make a huge difference to survival rates. One such survivor of a cardiac ar
A sparkling awards ceremony has marked the academic achievements of 75 members of the South East Coast Ambulance Service Trust (SECAmb). Jaqualine Lindridge, SECAmb’s Chief Paramedic Officer, who opened the Celebrating Success event at Lingfield Park, said: “I’m so pleased we can recognise the dedication that has led to these hard-earned achievements. These colleagues are a credit to the Trust, an
We’re coming to the end of this year’s #30Days30Ways campaign which SECAmb has been supporting, highlighting throughout September how to get more ’emergency ready’ and build community resilience. Today’s theme is about volunteering. As well as being a great way to meet and connect with others, learn new skills and make a real difference, volunteering provides a solid