Today (July 8) marks the second annual International Paramedics Day, and the theme for this year is ‘what paramedics do’.

The idea behind the event is to showcase the diversity of roles paramedics have and create a better understanding of the breadth and depth of work they do.

At the Magpas Air Ambulance, the medical team that delivers A&E-level care to patients in life-threatening emergencies across Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, is made up of a doctor and critical care paramedic on every shift.

The clinical team members work at the same level while responding to emergencies, taking it in turns to lead on each mission.

All the critical care paramedics have extensive experience of providing medical care in different types of environments outside of hospitals.

However, the 13 critical care paramedics don’t just save lives while working on board the air ambulance helicopter.

Last year, the charity launched an additional advanced paramedic service in partnership with the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST), where the charity’s most senior paramedics now also provide solo care in Cambridgeshire and beyond, responding via a Magpas rapid response vehicle.

As well as the above, most of Magpas Air Ambulance’s paramedics also work for the ambulance service regularly on board normal road ambulances and with other charities in the region, making sure they’re available to help patients whenever they can.

Natalie Church, Magpas Air Ambulance director of operations, says: “Our team of paramedics have trained and worked in the field for many years to reach the highest level they can, ensuring they give patients across the East of England the very best critical care; saving lives 24/7.

"Every one of our critical care paramedics gives their all to not only this charity, but to the profession as a whole, and we’re excited to be able to use International Paramedics Day to highlight the incredible work they do every single day.”