Armistice Day: A different uniform, a lifetime of service
By Charities Correspondent
After 12 years serving in the Royal Air Force, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Pete McCarthy has found a new way to serve – helping people on some of the worst days of their lives.
Now a paramedic based at Isleworth Ambulance Station, Pete says swapping his RAF uniform for an ambulance one has been one of the best decisions he's ever made.
"It's the best job I've ever done. I've never looked back. It's been brilliant," he says.
"People call us when they are having the worst day of their life. It's such a privilege being there to help that person get to a position where it's not the worst day of their life."
Coming from a military family, Pete always knew he wanted to join the RAF.
His 12 years in service took him to some of the world's most dangerous places, where he came under enemy fire and developed skills that continue to serve him well today.
Staying calm under pressure, assessing risk and working as part of a team are all part of his everyday work as a paramedic. His military experience also taught him the importance of understanding different cultures and faiths.
That understanding came into its own during one call when Pete helped an Iraqi mother give birth. The family were initially unsure about being treated by a male clinician, but Pete was able to build their trust. Even when a female crew arrived, the family asked him to stay.
Remembering those who served
Pete's connection to the Armed Forces remains strong, and Remembrance has a particularly personal meaning for him after losing friends and colleagues during his military career.
"It's a time when we can come together as a service community and remember them," he says. "And remember not just people from World War One and World War Two, but all those who have lost their lives in service of our country."
On 11 November, Pete will play a special part in London Ambulance Service's Armistice Day service, delivering the Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph – two traditional readings honouring those who died in conflict.
"It's always a little bit emotional when you read it. It shakes you up a little bit," he says.
Good News Post
Away from his ambulance shifts, Pete remains closely involved with the Armed Forces community. His wife still serves in the RAF, while he is a Senior Warrant Officer with Middlesex Wing Air Cadets.
He also supports London Ambulance Service's Armed Forces Network, which brings together veterans, reservists, cadet force volunteers and colleagues with military connections.
For Pete, the uniform may have changed, but the desire to make a difference has not.
You can support the wider ambulance community through the London Ambulance Charity. Find out more on the London Ambulance Charity website.
