Mum set to be paramedic after pandemic decision

Gemma White said the course was challenging at times but helped her "come out of her shell"

A mother who decided to pursue her dream of becoming a paramedic during the coronavirus pandemic is nearing graduation.

Gemma White, 39, completed an online access course during the pandemic before enrolling on a paramedic science course at Coventry University.

Ms White said she had "always liked helping people" and was inspired to become a paramedic during her 12 years working with adults with learning disabilities.

"It's always something that I've wanted to do, but just never thought I'd be able to do it," she said.

However, during the pandemic, she said it "really hit home" that she needed to do it then.

"I've got two children as well, they were getting older and I thought if I don't do it now, I don't think I'll ever do it because I'm getting older as well," she said.

Ms White, from Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, said she found the work placements on the course confirmed her belief it was the right job for her.

"I like the variety of it," she said. "There's lots of different things and every incident you go to is different."

She said she found the course "challenging at times" but it helped her "come out of her shell" as well as teaching her the skills she needed.

"A lot of times when you go to an incident, see it through and you know that you've genuinely helped that person, that's what we're doing it for.”

Ms White urged others thinking of a similar career to "follow your dreams" and said her children were proud of her achievement.

“They keep asking how long I've got left to go because I do say I've got uni work to do quite a lot at home," she said.

"But they have really enjoyed the fact that they can say ‘my mum's training to be a paramedic’.”