Looking out for your family or friend in the ambulance service

When a loved one is in a difficult or dangerous field, like the ambulance service can be, it’s natural to sometimes feel worried for them. You might be able to see how the stress of their role affects their daily life, or you might be concerned they are keeping their feelings ‘bottled up’. And if what they do sometimes brings them into contact with danger, that’s a worry for you too.

However, as a friend or a member of their family, there are ways you can help. Understanding a bit about their situation, and being familiar with some tips that might be useful for them, can go a long way. Take a few minutes to have a look through the Mind booklet on stress and anxiety for an insight.

Then, it’s important to have the confidence to ask how they are – and be prepared for the conversation that might follow. R U OK has created some sample conversations you can use to help your loved one to open up about their experiences, and offers links to further support if you need it.

And support for you is important too. The Ambulance Service Charity offers support for close family members of those who have worked for an ambulance service for at least 12 months, have volunteered for at least three years or are in the second year of a Paramedic Science degree. Their service includes advice on financial wellbeing and rehabilitation support.