Armistice Day: A different uniform, a lifetime of service

After 12 years in the Royal Air Force, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, London Ambulance Service paramedic Pete McCarthy knows what it means to serve.

Although he has swapped his RAF uniform for an ambulance one, his sense of purpose remains the same. And being a paramedic is, he says, the best job he has ever done.

Coming from a military family, Pete always knew he wanted a career in the RAF. The job took him to some of the world's most dangerous places – where he came under enemy fire – and helped shape the paramedic he is today.

Now based at Isleworth Ambulance Station, he has found that many of the skills he developed in the RAF have been invaluable in his new role. What he didn't expect was just how much he would love it. 

"It's the best job I've ever done," he says. "I've never looked back. It's been brilliant.

"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."

From military service to a new mission

For Pete, the transition from military life to the ambulance service has been about taking the qualities he developed in the RAF and applying them to a very different kind of service.

Remaining calm under pressure, assessing risk, understanding the bigger picture and working effectively as part of a team are all skills he regularly draws on.

His deployments also gave him an appreciation of different cultures, customs and faiths. That understanding has proved particularly valuable when caring for patients from London's communities.

On one memorable call, Pete's experience helped him build trust with an Iraqi family while helping a mother give birth. The family were initially concerned about having a male clinician care for her, but Pete was so reassuring that they asked him to stay, even when a female ambulance crew arrived.

Remembrance: remembering those who served

As a veteran, Remembrance is particularly important to Pete.

Having lost friends and colleagues during his military career, Pete sees Armistice Day as a chance to remember those he knew personally and all who have died serving their country.

"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."

This year, Pete will play a special role in London Ambulance Service's Armistice Day service today (11 November), delivering both the Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph which are traditional readings for honouring those who died in conflict.

"It's always a little bit emotional when you read it. It shakes you up a little bit."

Still part of the Armed Forces community

Although Pete has moved on from his RAF career, his connection to the Armed Forces remains as strong as ever.

His wife still serves in the RAF, and Pete is a Senior Warrant Officer with Middlesex Wing Air Cadets.

Later this month, he will also take on the role of parade warrant officer at the Lord Mayor's Show, helping to organise around 400 cadets.

He also plays an active role in London Ambulance Service's Armed Forces Network, which brings together colleagues who have served, reservists, cadet force volunteers and those with family connections to the Armed Forces.

As London Ambulance Service pays tribute to colleagues who have served in the Armed Forces, you can also support the wider ambulance community through the London Ambulance Charity. Find out more on the London Ambulance Charity website.