Paramedic Pavel explains why planning ahead is a must in resilience

As the Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) Manager for East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), Pavel tells us why his role is all about preparedness (even though it hasn't made him any better at organising dinner parties!)...

You’re different to most other paramedics. Tell us why.

I work with the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) to plan and prepare for all kinds of emergencies, from fires and flooding to major traffic accidents and much more. I’m there to represent the ambulance service and make sure EMAS can support other agencies in the most effective way, if an incident occurs.

I also advise local authorities and event organisers on safety around public events to make sure the medical provision is right for each event – that covers everything from small carol concerts to the Download music festival. 

You must be really good at planning ahead?

In my personal life, I struggle to plan a dinner party that’s happening in two weeks’ time – it drives my partner mad! But, in my work life, I have to plan 12 months ahead and sometimes even more! 

What’s the best thing about your job?

Exercising [practising for an incident] is the most exciting part because we get to test our emergency plans and find out how well they work.

I also like the networking. Everyone in the LRF works really closely together across all 25+ partner agencies. It means I know exactly who to call if there’s an incident.

How did you become a resilience expert?

My first experience of resilience was in the Czech Republic where I trained as a paramedic and volunteered for the Red Cross. While I was there, I supported local resilience efforts during several disasters, including floods and a large fire, providing medical supplies and humanitarian aid.

When I became a Duty Commander for EMAS, I was working on the frontline of emergency response and acting as an Operational and Tactical Commander. From there, it was a natural progression to apply for the role of EPRR Manager. I’ve been doing it for a year now. It’s a brilliant job.

What qualities do you need to work in resilience?

I think we see things differently to other people. We’re not viewing events pessimistically but realistically – we can see there is a potential for things to happen. Our minds automatically go to the worst case scenario.

When you work in resilience, anything can happen and that’s what we’re planning for.

How do you share your knowledge and experience with others?

I’m a National Inter-agency Liaison Officer (NILO) which means I’m a tactical adviser to commanders at the scene of an incident.

I also help to deliver JESIP (Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles) training to people from LRF partner agencies, including police, fire and local authorities. 

Is there always something new to learn?

Absolutely! I’m doing my Diploma in Health Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response at the moment. 

It really helps with the job because it explores the theory behind the practice. It’s also a great learning opportunity to meet other people working in resilience in other parts of the country. 

If you could give one piece of resilience advice, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to be prepared. Incidents like flooding can be devastating so it’s always best to plan ahead. We can’t plan 100% for everything but we can mitigate as much as possible in case the worst happens.

It’s vital that communities and businesses reach out to local authorities and the Local Resilience Partnership to get the support they need in advance. Community is at the heart of everything.