Blue light driver
Graham Page, from Royston Delivery Office, has been driving ambulances to help his community during the coronavirus crisis.
A postman of 30 years, Graham trained to be a fireman in 1983, quickly becoming a qualified blue light driver.
Back in April, a few weeks into lockdown, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service asked Graham if he would join a group of on-call firefighters driving ambulances for East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST).
‘I work out of Stevenage Ambulance Station,’ said Graham. ‘Myself and my paramedic partner need to be ready to respond to a call as soon as it comes in.’
In an emergency, Graham not only drives the ambulance, but also assists the paramedic on the call.
‘We have to put on protective equipment, double gloves, a mask and safety glasses,’ he said. ‘I start up the computer that takes the patient’s readings, bring the stretcher into the premises, and other tasks like that.’
Graham, whose normal round is in Barkway village, was seconded to EEAST for eight weeks. ‘I’m grateful to my manager for making it possible for me to do this. It’s very rewarding and NHS staff and patients were all really appreciative.’
