Meet Critical Care Paramedic Adam Carr

If you’ve watched Critical: Between Life and Death on Netflix, you’ll have seen not only how fast-paced and emotionally charged our work can be, but also the unwavering care and focus we give every patient – putting them at the heart of everything we do. One of our very own team members, Adam, was part of the crew who cared for Jack, featured in the series. We sat down with him to learn more about what it’s like to be a critical care paramedic, how the team prepares for the unexpected, and the lasting impact of meeting patients and their families.

What do you most enjoy about working as part of a HEMS team?
One of the things I enjoy most is the level of teamwork and trust that exists within the HEMS environment. Every member of the team—whether clinical, aviation, or support—plays a vital role, and we operate with a shared purpose: to deliver the highest standard of care to our patients, often in extremely challenging circumstances. The level of skill, commitment, and professionalism is genuinely inspiring, and there’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing you’re part of a team that can make such a difference, so quickly, when people need it most.

How do you prepare or rehearse as a team for some of the scenes you attend?
Preparation is a constant part of our work, and it goes far beyond clinical knowledge. As a HEMS team, we regularly train together—running simulations that mimic the complexity and pressure of real scenes. These scenarios can range from major trauma to cardiac arrest, and they’re designed not just to refine our technical skills, but to test how we communicate, lead, and work under pressure.

We also take time during shifts to talk through potential situations, challenge each other’s thinking, and reflect on recent cases. That ongoing conversation helps us stay aligned as a team and sharp in our decision-making. No two jobs are ever the same, but the more we rehearse—formally and informally—the more instinctive our teamwork becomes. That preparation is what allows us to deliver calm, coordinated care in moments of chaos. It’s not about chasing perfection; it’s about being ready to do our very best, every single time.

What advice would you give to a new critical care paramedic starting in the system, around how best to cope with attending three or four serious incidents per day?
Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that what we see and do is emotionally demanding. You can’t be unaffected—but you can learn how to manage it. I’d say lean on your team. Talk, debrief, and don’t bottle things up. Build routines that help you decompress after a shift—whether that’s exercise, DIY, or just time with family. And be kind to yourself—no one is bulletproof. This job requires both resilience and reflection, and it’s okay to ask for support when you need it. Learning to process the emotional weight of the work is just as vital as developing your clinical skills.

What does it mean to you when you get to meet patients and their families at base visits?
Base visits are always deeply emotional experiences. Sometimes they’re filled with joy—seeing a patient we once treated walk through the door with their family, smiling, living their life. It’s a powerful reminder that what we do matters, that all the effort, training, and emotional weight we carry can truly give someone a second chance. Those moments bring a sense of pride, relief, and perspective that’s hard to describe.

But not every base visit is about survival. Sometimes, we meet the bereaved families—those whose loved ones didn’t make it, despite everything we did. Those visits are just as meaningful, if not more so. They are often quiet, reflective, and incredibly moving. To sit with those families, to hear about who their loved one was beyond the scene we attended, and to know that our presence, care, or even just our efforts brought them some comfort—it stays with you.

Whether it’s a survivor returning to say thank you, or a grieving family seeking understanding or closure, every visit reminds me why I do this job. It’s about being there for people at their most vulnerable—doing everything we can, and honouring the lives we touch, whether they’re continued or lost.

If you’ve been moved by Adam’s words or inspired by what you saw on Critical, please consider supporting our work. Every donation helps us continue delivering advanced pre-hospital care when it matters most.

Make a donation today and be part of saving lives across Essex, Hertfordshire and beyond.

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