Tom's Journey - Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Tom Olley is an advanced clinical practitioner who has been with the Trust for six years.

For as long as I can remember, my ambition was to work in the ambulance service. While studying for my A levels, I began volunteering as a community first responder (CFR) with the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST). I have always wanted to care for people at their time of need, and that was the start of my journey and career with EEAST. Soon after, I worked as an emergency call handler in Norwich, gaining valuable insight into a vital part of the service and the patient journey, before starting my BSc (Hons) in paramedic science at the University of Suffolk.

After qualifying, I began my career as a newly qualified paramedic (NQP) on frontline ambulances and rapid response vehicles (RRV). Once I completed my NQP period, I progressed into a senior paramedic and practice educator (PEd) role, mentoring undergraduate students. I then moved into leadership as a hospital ambulance liaison officer (HALO), overseeing efficient patient handovers in accident and emergency departments with a strong focus on staff and patient welfare during times of high demand.

I also trained with the specialist operations response team (SORT), a national resilience team responding to major incidents such as terrorist or chemical attacks, working alongside hazardous area response teams (HART). I have always been fascinated by the multi agency collaboration in these scenarios, where every service shares the common goal of saving lives.

Despite enjoying my time as a HALO, I returned to frontline work on an RRV while studying for a Master of Science (MSc) in advanced clinical practice at the University of East Anglia. This developed my interest in urgent care, and I transferred into the newly formed urgent care directorate as a specialist paramedic and trainee advanced clinical practitioner (ACP). Since then, I have completed my MSc, qualified as an Independent and Supplementary Prescriber with the University of Nottingham, and gained educational supervisor accreditation. I now practice as an ACP in urgent care.

In my current role as an ACP, I work autonomously on an admission avoidance Vehicle, managing patients with minor illness or injury who may not need hospital care. I often treat them at home or refer to community services, helping keep emergency ambulances free for the sickest cases. My skills include prescribing, point of care testing, catheterisation, palliative and end of life care, wound suturing, and ultrasound. I also work in the emergency operations centre, supporting the urgent care desk and clinical advice line, while remotely triaging patients.

My time with EEAST has been incredible, offering opportunities for continual growth and progression. If you are considering a career in the ambulance service, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. EEAST fosters a culture of support and development, and my journey shows that with commitment, you can build a fulfilling career while making a real difference to those who need us most. I am proud to be part of team EEAST.