Explore every episode of the podcast 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.

In this episode of Seconds Count, we speak to Sean McCluskey, Health, Wellbeing and Peer Support Officer, about the importance of men's health and mental wellbeing.

Sean discusses why many men find it difficult to talk about their health, the barriers to seeking support, and the importance of having open conversations. Listen as he shares insights into men's wellbeing, peer support, and how reaching out can make a real difference.

In this episode of Seconds Count, brought to you by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, we speak to Clinical Pathways Lead Karl Bloomer on how the different alternatives to the emergency department, how we can care for you, effectively.

In this episode of Seconds Count, brought to you by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, we speak to Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) Leader Sam McGowan about how the HART team has developed and what its role is within the service.

In this episode of Seconds Count, we speak to Aidan Early, who dreamed of becoming a paramedic from the age of seven. His dream came true. But Aidan was diagnosed with cancer in his early forties. This is a story of resilience and fortitude as he fought to continue to live the life he loved, returning to frontline before having to retire early. Listen to Aidan as he talks about memories throughout his career, the highs and lows of his cancer journey and the life of a retired paramedic.

In this episode of Seconds Count, brought to you by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, we speak to Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Operational Lead Paramedic Glenn O’Rorke on how HEMS first began in Northern Ireland, pre-hospital care and interventions, and the relationship NIAS has with the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland charity.

In this episode of Seconds Count, brought to you by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, we speak to Sean McCluskey and Emma Hallissey from our Peer Support team on dealing with trauma post incident, what led to the beginning of peer support and the importance of reaching out for support.

In this episode of Seconds Count, brought to you by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, we speak to Paramedic and lecturer in Paramedic Science, Aisling McBride. Aisling discusses her route to becoming a paramedic, her experiences during Covid and being assaulted whilst on duty.

In this episode of Seconds Count, brought to you by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, we speak to our Medical Director, Dr Nigel Ruddell. Dr Ruddell talks us through the triaging process and how we prioritise emergecny calls.

In this episode of Seconds Count, brought to you bythe Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, we speak to our very own NIAS legend, Kieran Devine. Kieran talks about his experiences across both frontline and control, recently being awarded the King’s Ambulance Medal and how the ambulance service has changed across his 37 years of service.

In this episode of Seconds Count, brought to you by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, we speak with Assistant Director of Operations Mark Cochrane and Violence Reduction Lead Frankie Dillon about the issue of violence and aggression against ambulance staff. We also hear from Paramedics Rosie Rowbotham and Alice Cochrane about their own experiences and the impact this has on them.

In this episode of Seconds Count, brought to you by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, we speak with Interim Chief Executive Maxine Paterson about her unexpected route into NIAS, the personal event that first connected her with emergency services, and the pressures facing the service today.