Whole blood trial results published in leading medical journal
March 24, 2026
GWAAC clinicians and volunteers have been invited to talk with Eoin Walker on the Pre-hospital Care Podcast, to discuss their career pathways and all aspects of Pre-hopsital medicine.
Right Patient, Right Time
In pre-hospital care, timing isn’t just important; it’s everything. The difference between a good outcome and a devastating one can come down to minutes and decisions, and few decisions are more critical than knowing when to bring advanced critical care to the scene.
In this episode, we’re joined by Critical Care Paramedic Callum Sutton from Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) to explore a question that sits at the heart of pre-hospital medicine: when does HEMS truly add value? This isn’t about calling early for the sake of it; it’s about understanding the patients, the physiology, and the interventions that can change trajectories.
But just as important is what happens before the helicopter lands. From optimising access and monitoring to anticipating procedures like pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia, small actions on the ground can translate into critical time saved. This is a conversation about foresight, teamwork, and marginal gains, and how, in the right moments, those gains can mean everything.
In this episode, we’re joined by Critical Care Paramedic Callum Sutton from Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) to explore a question that sits at the heart of pre-hospital medicine: when does HEMS truly add value? This isn’t about calling early for the sake of it; it’s about understanding the patients, the physiology, and the interventions that can change trajectories.
But just as important is what happens before the helicopter lands. From optimising access and monitoring to anticipating procedures like pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia, small actions on the ground can translate into critical time saved. This is a conversation about foresight, teamwork, and marginal gains, and how, in the right moments, those gains can mean everything.
From Road Paramedic to Critical Care
In this episode, we’re diving into the journey of Zoe Boswell, a dedicated paramedic, mother, and community volunteer with the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC). Zoe brings over a decade of experience as a road paramedic, all while balancing the demands of family life and volunteering with the GWAAC Heartstarters program.
Zoe’s story is a powerful example of resilience, progression, and passion within the pre-hospital care world. Her ability to manage complex clinical challenges on scene, train at an advanced level, and still give back to the community through CPR education speaks volumes about her commitment to the profession.
In our conversation, we explore her motivations, her aspirations from road to critical care paramedic, the emotional impact of high-acuity cases, and the unique perspective she brings as a parent working on the front line. Whether you’re a student paramedic, a seasoned clinician, or just curious about the realities of life on the HEMS pathway, Zoe’s insights are both inspiring and deeply grounded in the realities of modern pre-hospital care. Let’s dive into this episode with Zoe Boswell.
Zoe’s story is a powerful example of resilience, progression, and passion within the pre-hospital care world. Her ability to manage complex clinical challenges on scene, train at an advanced level, and still give back to the community through CPR education speaks volumes about her commitment to the profession.
In our conversation, we explore her motivations, her aspirations from road to critical care paramedic, the emotional impact of high-acuity cases, and the unique perspective she brings as a parent working on the front line. Whether you’re a student paramedic, a seasoned clinician, or just curious about the realities of life on the HEMS pathway, Zoe’s insights are both inspiring and deeply grounded in the realities of modern pre-hospital care. Let’s dive into this episode with Zoe Boswell.
Women in Critical Care
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the evolving role of women in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) and pre-hospital critical care, inspired by insights from Critical Care Doctor Sophie MacDougall. Sophie highlights both the unique challenges and the incredible rewards that come with working in this demanding, fast-paced environment, one that remains largely male-dominated but is gradually becoming more diverse.
We’ll hear from guests who share their journeys into HEMS and air ambulance work, reflecting on what the job gives back to them every day and how they have navigated their career paths within GWAAC. From overcoming barriers and difficult moments to the importance of mentors, whether male or female, our guests reveal the critical lessons they’ve learned along the way.
This episode also delves into the steps needed to encourage more women to join HEMS teams, breaking down stereotypes and showing that this field is not just a “men’s world.” We’ll discuss how initiatives like the GWAAC ‘Fem in PHEM’ event are making a difference and how ongoing support and visibility can inspire the next generation of female critical care professionals.
Whether you’re a clinician, a student, or simply curious about pre-hospital care, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on resilience, aspiration, and inclusion in one of healthcare’s most challenging specialties.
We’ll hear from guests who share their journeys into HEMS and air ambulance work, reflecting on what the job gives back to them every day and how they have navigated their career paths within GWAAC. From overcoming barriers and difficult moments to the importance of mentors, whether male or female, our guests reveal the critical lessons they’ve learned along the way.
This episode also delves into the steps needed to encourage more women to join HEMS teams, breaking down stereotypes and showing that this field is not just a “men’s world.” We’ll discuss how initiatives like the GWAAC ‘Fem in PHEM’ event are making a difference and how ongoing support and visibility can inspire the next generation of female critical care professionals.
Whether you’re a clinician, a student, or simply curious about pre-hospital care, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on resilience, aspiration, and inclusion in one of healthcare’s most challenging specialties.
Breaking Barriers
Today, we are joined by Dr Celestine Weegenaar, the first female PHEM trainee at Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC). Originally from Amsterdam and now firmly rooted in the South West of England, Celestine brings a wealth of experience from emergency departments across the region – and even from the skies of Australia, where she flew with LifeFlight.
We talk about her journey into pre-hospital emergency medicine, what drew her to the field, and how she’s navigating the challenges and rewards of her current role. From the adrenaline of high-acuity pre-hospital care to the quiet moments of learning and growth alongside GWAAC’s critical care team, Celestine reflects on the reality of life as a trainee in this dynamic and demanding specialty.
As the new Chair of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine Trainees’ Association (PHEMTA), she also shares her vision for increasing inclusivity in the field, breaking down barriers, and supporting more women to pursue careers in PHEM. Whether you're an aspiring critical care clinician or simply interested in the people behind the patch, this episode offers a personal and inspiring look into the life and values of a rising leader in pre-hospital care.
We talk about her journey into pre-hospital emergency medicine, what drew her to the field, and how she’s navigating the challenges and rewards of her current role. From the adrenaline of high-acuity pre-hospital care to the quiet moments of learning and growth alongside GWAAC’s critical care team, Celestine reflects on the reality of life as a trainee in this dynamic and demanding specialty.
As the new Chair of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine Trainees’ Association (PHEMTA), she also shares her vision for increasing inclusivity in the field, breaking down barriers, and supporting more women to pursue careers in PHEM. Whether you're an aspiring critical care clinician or simply interested in the people behind the patch, this episode offers a personal and inspiring look into the life and values of a rising leader in pre-hospital care.
Stab-5
Today, we're diving into a crucial tool that has recently been released by GWAAC for emergency personnel: the STAB5 mnemonic. This simple yet powerful framework is designed to guide staff through the complex and often chaotic scenarios of penetrating trauma they face in prehospital care.
The STAB5 pneumonic helps ensure that nothing is overlooked within penetrating torso injury, and that care is delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible with the reduction of time on scene also in focus. In this episode, we’ll break down each component of the STAB5 mnemonic, exploring its real-world application and hearing from the authors who have designed it. From scene safety to haemorrhage control, we’ll uncover how this mnemonic can be a lifesaver—not just for patients but for the pre-hospital teams that work tirelessly to save them.
The STAB5 pneumonic helps ensure that nothing is overlooked within penetrating torso injury, and that care is delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible with the reduction of time on scene also in focus. In this episode, we’ll break down each component of the STAB5 mnemonic, exploring its real-world application and hearing from the authors who have designed it. From scene safety to haemorrhage control, we’ll uncover how this mnemonic can be a lifesaver—not just for patients but for the pre-hospital teams that work tirelessly to save them.
About the Pre-hospital Care Podcast
This podcast is designed to have engaging and inspirational conversations with some of the worlds leading experts in or relating to pre-hospital care. We hope you take a lot from the conversations both from a technical and non-technical perspective.
About Eoin Walker
With over 20 years of experience in paramedicine and critical care, I am passionate about advancing the standards and practices of pre-hospital emergency medical services globally. As a Senior HEMS segment promoter at Airbus Helicopters, I work with governments, organisations, and stakeholders to design and deliver customised Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) solutions that meet the bespoke needs and challenges of each healthcare eco-system.
