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Working or volunteering in the ambulance service can take a lot out of you – whatever your role.

It’s important to protect your mental health as best you can – on a daily basis, not just after the dramatic moments. Those around you play a big part in this too: colleagues, leaders, friends and family.

Scroll down for some useful starting points and extra support in Scotland, or

See all our resources for ambulance services
Photo by CJ Clarke / London Ambulance Service

Asking for help: ambulance

It can feel really difficult to ask for help when you need it – especially when you spend much of your time, whether working or volunteering, in helping others. But there are some steps you can take to build your confidence in having difficult conversations with colleagues.

I’ve seen something traumatic in my ambulance role

Sadly, in the ambulance service, you’re much more likely to experience something traumatic in your role than the general population. While you might feel like you’re able to cope in the moment, it’s important to process these things properly.

Talking to someone who understands: ambulance

Ambulance roles are some of the hardest. It can be useful to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through – here are some options.

Looking out for your family or friend in the ambulance service

When someone close to you is in a difficult or stressful field, like the ambulance service can be, it’s natural to feel worried for them sometimes. Here are a few tips that can help, and some suggestions for where to look further.

Coping with student life for trainee paramedics

Adjusting to student life can be tough – and paramedic training can cover some difficult subjects on top of that. We’ve collected a few pointers.

Protecting your ambulance team’s mental wellbeing

A few simple tips can go a long way to making you feel more confident talking about mental health and wellbeing with your colleagues.

If you’re in Scotland

Please visit our friends at Lifelines Scotland for information and resources for the ambulance community in Scotland.

Why your mental health is important

77%

of ambulance staff feel their mental health has deteriorated as a result of the pandemic

38%

of ambulance staff said that they did not access support, as they did not think their issue was serious enough

83%

of ambulance staff said that their workload had increased due to the pandemic

44%

of ambulance staff told us that their mental health had been affected by pressure from management

Data from Mind research in 2015 and 2021

Real life stories

Photo from London Ambulance Service

Mark
Paramedic

“The past 18 months have aged me physically and mentally. I have been proud to work alongside my colleagues as the work has been so different to what we were used to.”

Read Mark's story

Ben
Emergency Dispatcher

“At work, we are making life changing decisions in more difficult situations than ever before. These decisions are ones we are taking home with us.”

Read Ben's story
View all ambulance stories

The Blue Light Programme is a partnership between Mind and the emergency services community, including our charity partner The Ambulance Staff Charity.

Get help now

For free, confidential, emotional support:

Call 0300 303 4434 from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, for trauma and bereavement support from Just B

Text BLUELIGHT to 85258

Or call 116 123 anywhere, any time, to talk to Samaritans

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