Seconds Count

In this episode of Seconds Count, we speak to Heather Sharpe, Assistant Director of Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) at the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, about her remarkable career spanning more than three decades.Heather reflects on her journey from joining the ambulance service as a 19-year-old Emergency Medical Technician to becoming a paramedic, Rapid Response Vehicle clinician and ultimately leading NIAS's emergency preparedness and resilience function.She shares stories from the front line during the 1990s, discusses how emergency planning has evolved, and reflects on the challenges and rewards of leadership, the importance of supporting colleagues, and breaking barriers for women in the ambulance service. Heather also talks about receiving the prestigious King's Ambulance Medal and why compassion, resilience and teamwork remain at the heart of everything she does.Listen now to hear the inspiring story behind one of NIAS's most experienced and respected leaders.

In this episode of Seconds Count, we speak to Sean Kelly, Clinical Training Manager at the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, about the vital role education and training play in preparing our frontline staff to deliver safe, effective patient care.Sean discusses how clinical training equips ambulance clinicians with the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond to a wide range of emergency situations, the importance of continuous professional development, and how training evolves to reflect the changing needs of patients and the service. Listen as they explore what it takes to prepare staff for the realities of frontline care, the value of lifelong learning, and how investing in education helps deliver the highest standards of care for the communities we serve.

In this episode of Seconds Count, we speak to Florence Milliken, Professional Liaison Consultant, from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), about the vital role the HCPC plays in regulating health and care professionals and protecting the public.She discusses how professional standards help ensure safe, effective care, what regulation means in practice, and why public confidence in healthcare matters. Listen as she explains the HCPC's role, dispels common myths about regulation, and explores how maintaining high standards benefits patients, professionals and the wider public.

In this episode of Seconds Count, we speak to Neil Gillan, Service User Lead and George Bell, Chair of Partnership Forum, about the importance of listening to patients, families and communities to help shape ambulance services.They discuss how feedback drives meaningful change, why patient voices matter in improving care, and how working together ensures that decisions are made with people, not just for them. Listen as they explore the impact of the Patient Voice Forum and why every experience shared has the power to make a difference.

In this episode of Seconds Count, we speak to Michael Allen about the importance of CPR and the reality of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.Michael discusses why immediate action is so critical when someone suffers a cardiac arrest, how bystander CPR can significantly improve survival chances, and the vital role that communities play in saving lives. Listen as they share insights into recognising a cardiac arrest, responding with confidence, and why learning CPR could help save the life of someone you love.