Former firefighter trains as paramedic in the North East

Aaron Harlow-Stephenson, 27, from Durham, graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in Paramedic Science and Out of Hospital Care.

He has secured a full-time role as an Ambulance Support Practitioner with the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS).

Aaron on his placement with the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance charity (Image: Sunderland University)

He said: "I have always been drawn towards careers that involve helping people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

"A particularly significant influence was the loss of my uncle.

"The professionalism, compassion and care shown by the emergency services during that difficult time left a lasting impression on me and strengthened my determination to pursue a career where I could make a positive difference to others.

"What attracts me most to paramedicine is the privilege of being invited into people’s lives during moments of crisis and having the opportunity to provide both clinical care and reassurance when it is needed most."

Aaron graduating from the University of Sunderland (Image: Sunderland University)

Mr Harlow-Stephenson previously worked as a firefighter for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue before becoming a Clinical Care Assistant for NEAS, where he supported paramedics on emergency calls.

His new role will see him continue to deliver frontline emergency, urgent, and non-urgent pre-hospital care alongside senior clinicians.

He described his time at the University of Sunderland as vital to his career development.

He said: "The University of Sunderland has played a huge role in helping me progress towards my career goals.

Aaron Harlow-Stephenson and the University of Sunderland training ambulance (Image: Sunderland University)

"The course has provided me with a strong foundation in clinical practice, leadership, decision-making and evidence-based healthcare, while giving me extensive placement experience across a variety of healthcare settings.

"The combination of academic learning and real-world clinical placements has allowed me to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence required to begin my career within the ambulance service."

Mr Harlow-Stephenson graduated during the university’s summer ceremonies on July 9 at The Fire Station in Sunderland city centre, watched by his fiancée Kelsey and their one-year-old daughter Lily.

He said: "Graduating feels like a huge achievement and the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance.

"Balancing my studies alongside frontline healthcare work, family life and other commitments has not always been easy, which makes reaching this milestone particularly rewarding.

"It is a proud moment not only for me, but also for my family and everyone who has supported me throughout the journey.

"While graduation marks the end of my undergraduate studies, it also feels like the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my career."

Mark Willis, associate head of school and principal lecturer in paramedic practice at the University of Sunderland, congratulated Mr Harlow-Stephenson.

He said: "We are incredibly proud to see Aaron, alongside his fellow students, graduate after three years of hard work, dedication and commitment to both their studies and wider professional development.

"Aaron has consistently demonstrated the qualities expected of a future healthcare professional, and, like all graduates from our paramedic programme, he is well prepared to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to the communities he will serve throughout his career."

Mr Harlow-Stephenson received support through the university’s Futures Fund Archer Award, which provides students with access to extra training and opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to them.

All students on Sunderland’s health profession and public health courses, including physiotherapy, paramedic science, and occupational therapy, complete elective placements within the NHS or the wider health community.

Mr Harlow-Stephenson is also a dedicated rugby player.

He currently plays for Consett RFC in rugby union, and for rugby league has played for Midlands Hurricanes, Keighley Cougars, Newcastle Thunder and England University Rugby League.

He gained further experience last summer during a placement with the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance charity.

More information on scholarships at the University of Sunderland is available at https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/scholarships-and-bursaries.