Volunteering to SAVE LIVES

One woman explains how she helps those in critical need

- SERENA SHORES

Even as a young girl, Suzanne Moffat, from Swaffham, Norfolk, knew exactly what she wanted to be. Joining the nursing profession at 18, Suzanne has worked in the NHS for 33 years, and now divides her time as a lecturer in Paramedic Science at the University of East Anglia in Norwich and working as a Resuscitation Officer at the North West Anglia Foundation Trust.

‘What is important to me when I teach students how to manage critically ill patients, is to instil the huge impact they will have on the patient receiving care and their loved ones,’ says Suzanne, 54. ‘It is essential to show compassion and kindness as they put their trust in us, and it is up to us to do an excellent job.’

Such is her passion to use her knowledge, experience and expertise to help her local community, that Suzanne gives up many hours of her free time to volunteer for the charity NARS, the Norfolk Accident Rescue Service. NARS was formed in 1970 and is part of the British Association of Immediate Care Schemes. It comprises 35 highly skilled professionals ready to respond to an incident at any time, including doctors, nurses, paramedics and community first responders. The team members offer their time by doing an eight to 10, or 10-12-hour shift on one of three response vehicles. The ethos of the charity is to support the East of England Ambulance Service to deliver the highest level of care at the more serious calls, offering patients enhanced skills, and additional drugs and equipment.