Q&A’s with Heartstarters Volunteer and aspiring Critical Care Paramedic, Zoe Boswell

Zoe Boswell balances her job as a road paramedic with being a mum, a student, and a Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) Heartstarters Volunteer. We think she is pretty amazing! We asked Zoe to tell us a bit more about herself so we could find out what motivates her, how and why she finds the time to be a Heartstarters Volunteer and why she is striving to be a Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care with GWAAC.

How many years have you been a paramedic?

I am in my third year as a paramedic; however, I was lucky to have worked as an Emergency Medicine Technician (EMT) for eight years prior to this, I feel this valuable exposure can sometimes get overlooked.

Have you always wanted to be a paramedic?

I had no real guidance in my early years and fell into working with horses for many years, then got myself a ‘normal’ desk job which wasn't for me, but they put me on a first aid at work course and this is where I found my passion for becoming a paramedic!

What do you love most about your job?

I love to feel like I am doing something worthwhile and that I am helping people. I also do not like sitting at a desk!

How do you balance being a paramedic and a mum and a student?

First of all my journey to being a paramedic was sidelined to be a stay-at-home mother and live abroad for a few years. I returned as an EMT and completed my training when my youngest was almost two years old. I work around their father’s shift pattern and utilise my time when they are at school to study my master’s degree in critical care. Wrap around care helps and I have a few amazing people who support me by driving across the country to help me when motherhood and study/exams collide! I think if you want something enough you will put the effort in to make it happen — this is what I tell myself on the motorway at 05:00 driving to university.

Why did you want to be a Heartstarters Volunteer with GWAAC?

I wanted to join the Great Western Hearts CPR project as a Heartstarters Volunteer because, first of all, it makes a difference to paramedic decision making if CPR has been happening prior to an ambulance getting on scene; it influences how we manage the patient and how successful resuscitation is. Also, it feels good to support GWAAC in return for the support they give us on the road with our most poorly patients.

How long have you been a Heartstarters Volunteer?

I have been a Heartstarters Volunteer for one year now. I try to volunteer once a month on average.

What would you say to anyone thinking of being a Heartstarters Volunteer?

One of the great things about the Great Western Hearts programme is that you don't need to be a paramedic to do it; if you are basic life support trained and have an interest in first aid and spreading the word about the importance of CPR you could become a Heartstarters Volunteer. I encourage all grades of student paramedics, emergency care assistants, and quite frankly, anybody who will listen to me! I have met students, doctors and everybody in between!

Have you worked with GWAAC's clinical crew before?

I have worked with GWAAC’s Critical Care Team quite a few times and have witnessed firsthand the skills and expertise the crew bring to the sickest of patients. I’ve also been fortunate to attend their outreach education days and clinical governance days. I always try to change my shifts or forgo overtime as the knowledge and experience gleaned on these days are so valuable!

Why do you want to get into Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS)?

I want to come back to HEMS in a medical capacity as I have been lucky enough to navigate for another HEMS charity; now I want to be part of the medical team. Also, I know how supported I feel when GWAAC arrives on scene; I want to bring that to my colleagues and of course, bring the next level of care to our patients.

What are you doing to realise this dream?

I am two-thirds of the way through my master’s degree in Advanced Paramedic Practice in Critical Care. I am looking for leadership opportunities in my current role as a road paramedic and I hope to sit other qualifications such as The Resuscitation Council Advanced Life Support and Paediatric Advanced Life Support courses. 

What barriers do you perceive there to be?

The female mindset can be a barrier; if we don't tick every box on an advertised position, we can hold ourselves back whereas men will perhaps put themselves forwards more despite not ticking every box. I am not young, I am not trying this in my twenties, I am in my forties (no way I hear you say!). Also, the more I learn at an advanced level, the more I learn just how much can go wrong with the human body!

Anything else you would like to say?

We are so lucky to be supported by GWAAC in our area of work. I have attended multiple major trauma and medical incidents with the Critical Care Team and I feel honoured to work alongside such dedicated, educated and experienced clinicians.

Are you basic life support trained and would you like to get involved delivering vital lifesaving skills to young people and community groups? Visit our Heartstarters Volunteer web page to find out more.

If you are a paramedic interested in learning from our crew, visit GWAAC’s Clinical Engagement web page to find out more.