From Frontline to Flatline – Help Me Through a Tough Patch

Hi, I’m Russ, and asking for help like this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.

I’m a registered Paramedic who started with South Central Ambulance Service in 2008. I qualified in 2011 and later joined East Midlands Ambulance Service, where I proudly served communities across the region. Like many in the NHS, I gave my all—whether that was resuscitating cardiac arrest patients en route to hospital, or just holding someone’s hand in their darkest hour. In fact, my colleague and I once brought a man named Kevin Payne back to life in the back of an ambulance—and we were later reunited with him on East Midlands Today. That moment reminded me why I chose this path.

Unfortunately, my journey took a tough turn in 2017 after a serious road traffic collision left me with PTSD. I left the ambulance service with a heavy heart and began trying to rebuild—doing telephone triage, supporting A&E during the early days of the pandemic, and later working as a Paramedic Practitioner in a GP surgery. That role meant the world to me, but it ended in June 2024 when the fixed-term contract came to a close.

Since then, I’ve been applying for every clinical position I can find—but with the current competition, I’ve had no luck. I even delivered parcels for Amazon to stay afloat, but the van hire and fuel costs swallowed everything I earned. Since May 2025, I’ve been claiming Universal Credit, which just about covers the rent in my current house share. But beyond that, I’m struggling.

I’m now in a position where I:

Can’t afford to insure my car (which I need for work and to see my daughter)

Rely on a local food charity for weekly groceries

Am applying for a Debt Relief Order due to arrears and a County Court Judgement from my previous tenancy

Have just £12 to last the next two weeks

I may have a job pending at a local children’s care home, supporting kids with autism. But the checks and start date are still in progress, and I don’t know how long it will take. I just need a hand getting through this immediate period—fuel, essentials, and keeping my head above water so I can get back to doing what I love: helping others.

I’ve always tried to work hard, stay hopeful, and be there for people in crisis. Now I find myself on the other side, and it’s not easy. I know there are people worse off than me—but I’m at a point where I simply can’t do this alone.

If you can help—even a little—I’d be deeply grateful. And if you can’t, a share would mean the world.

Thank you for reading,

Russ