This may sound a bit strange but I have a peculiar guilty secret. I have become addicted to a programme called ‘Inside the Ambulance’. It is not the gruelling one on BBC which focuses on the emergency call room, but instead the one which follows teams in the UK as they go about their daily work.

The crew have cameras fixed to their uniforms so you have a direct view of what they are doing, from attending little children with fevers or elderly folk who have had a fall, to suspected cardiac patients. It also gives an eye view of the lovely working relationships the paramedic teams seem to have.

It is evident that they carry out their work with the utmost professionalism and efficiency but what is most obvious is the kindness and care the paramedics show to the patients. Many of the call outs are to people with mental health issues and they seem to know exactly how to speak to these people, treating them with deep respect and kindness. Sometimes all a person needs is a listening ear and some gentle guidance, and this gives them a massive boost. Very often the crews are called out to people who are terribly lonely and just need to speak to someone.

Changing the subject a little bit here, we are all aware that provision of mental health support in the UK is poor, but I do not think it needs to be complicated.

Here’s a suggestion.

At the moment there are many people who are waiting months just to see a CBT counsellor and sometimes this is not even face to face. I think paramedics are brilliant at talking to people with mental health problems, so wouldn’t it be a great idea if there could be a paramedic available in GP surgeries at all times for brief immediate help/counselling?

But maybe I’m being unrealistic? After all, many GP surgeries are still only available on the phone or on zoom. Don’t get me started.

I’m off to watch another episode.

Wendy x