Prince praises paramedics in 'stressful' jobs

The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to the nation's paramedics working in "highly stressful and often distressing circumstances", as he became patron of their professional body.

The former air ambulance helicopter pilot addressed the College of Paramedics' inaugural emergency and critical care conference in Birmingham.

Prince William told visitors from across the country that saving lives was "not the only challenge you face".

He added "you are there for people in the most critical and emotional moments, having to display care and skill in highly stressful and often distressing circumstances".

The prince served for three years with the RAF Search and Rescue Force, flying rescue missions from RAF Valley in Anglesey, north Wales, from the autumn of 2010.

He later joined the East Anglian Air Ambulance, responding to call-outs for two years before stepping down in July 2017 to focus on his royal duties.

Prince William told the conference audience working "alongside you in Wales and East Anglia, I know the team effort that is required to provide emergency health care".

But he added: "I also know that at the beginning it is sometimes a lone paramedic - in a car, on a bike, in a helicopter, in an ambulance, on foot.

"Your ability to calm the patient, to listen to their fears, to reassure them that help has arrived, is as important as the subsequent medical intervention."

In his speech, Prince William also warned that the pressures of paramedics' roles could lead to burnout and significant a impact on their mental wellbeing.

He said: "It is vital that you are also there for yourselves and for each other."

The College of Paramedics, set up in 2001, has more than 20,000 members. Its role is to promote and develop the paramedic profession across the UK.

Before his speech, the prince met conference speakers and paramedics including Ed Griffiths, an old colleague from RAF Valley.

Mr Griffiths was a winchman on rescue missions with the prince, before joining HM Coastguard as a winch-paramedic.

He said later: "I worked two years with him, I had a great time.

"It was a pleasure, honour and privilege to serve with him and to have life experiences I wouldn't have got, had I not worked with him."

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