Published on 05 August 2022
Meet Kyle Peebles, University of Sunderland paramedic student and a TV star in the making.
Kyle, 26, is set to feature in BBC One’s Ambulance, a documentary series taking a detailed look at the North East Ambulance Service.
We sat down with Kyle, who is from Gateshead, to find out all about his University experience, TV life, and career as a trainee paramedic.
How do you feel about being part of the BBC Ambulance show?
I used to watch the show religiously. I can remember saying ‘just imagine being on this show, how class would it be to do it’ and now It feels pretty surreal being a part of it. Another thing ticked of the bucket list.
What impact do you hope the series will have in the North East?
I hope the series will impact the North East by making people more aware of how hard we work as a service but most of all to prompt people regionally and nationally to check on their neighbour… this is because loneliness and social deprivation in the region is a huge issue.
How do you feel the University has/is equipping you for your chosen career?
The University has provided me and all the other students with the academic and practical skills and knowledge to go out on the road and confidently practice. Obviously, nothing can beat actually being out on placement and getting the practice, but the facilities and equipment that is provided are as close as you’re going to get to the real thing.
What have been the highlights of your time here at the University?
I’ve had many highlights but one that sticks out is dragging my fellow students into doing Movember to raise money and we will be doing the same this year and hopefully we will get a few lecturers involved as well
What brings you to work every day/what do you like about your job?
Knowing that I’m able to make a difference to someone’s life. Even just talking to people and offering reassurance can make a difference, as some of the patients we see may not have seen anyone for a very long time.
What is an average shift like?
The average shift can go from 0-100mph in a matter of seconds. You could be heading towards a low category call then a different job comes through at the highest priority call.
What skills do you think people need to be able to do your job?
80% of the job is knowing how to talk to people. If you can do that you can learn the clinical stuff as you go.
What has it been like working through the pandemic?
When the pandemic first kicked off everything was up in the air, no one knew how to deal with this virus that is still very apparent today.
However, myself and my colleagues, no matter how exhausting it was, powered on through for our patients. No one could have asked any more of us as we did everything we could to prevent and care.
Where do you see your career heading?
I'm currently halfway through my BSc degree at the University to becoming a paramedic, once I am qualified and settled nicely into the role, I will be aiming to be the best I can be.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I have a blind cat who loves waking me up every morning before my alarm goes off for work.
My favourite thing about the North East has got to be that Sam Fender is from the region. What a legend.
The new series of Ambulance begins on BBC One at 9pm on Thursday, August 11.