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An East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) employee has been recognised nationally for her outstanding contribution to improving accessibility for disabled staff and patients across the ambulance sector.
Dawn Poulson Whelan has been awarded an Honorary Companionship by the Royal College of Paramedics and added to their prestigious roll of honour, in recognition of her tireless advocacy and leadership in disability inclusion.
For years, Dawn has worked to challenge the misconception that there are no disabled people in the ambulance service. While frontline clinical roles are often viewed as physically demanding, many staff live with non-apparent disabilities, including those working in Emergency Operations Centres, support services and other vital roles.
“When I first sought support, I was told there were no disabled people in the ambulance service and therefore it was unlikely I could continue in my role.” Dawn explained. “It was challenging to obtain the adjustments I needed.”
Her personal experience of acquiring a disability during her career became the catalyst for a sector-wide movement. With a background in nursing and over 22 years in the ambulance service, six of those with EEAST, Dawn now leads national efforts to improve accessibility and awareness.
She is one of the founders of, and Chairs, the National Ambulance Disability Network, which has played a key role in advocacy, research and in shaping inclusive policy and practise. The network has developed disability guidance for the Joint Royal College Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC) to support paramedics in the delivery of treatment to disabled patients and has created national guidance to support staff and patients with assistance dogs. The network has also supported the development of accessibility features on a clinical app used by paramedics nationwide.
Dawn’s influence extends beyond EEAST. She has collaborated with UK universities to develop accessible paramedic science degree programmes, contributed to podcasts with The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC) and serves on the NHS Disability Transformation Committee. She is currently undertaking a PhD in Emergency Service Management specialising in disability inclusion.
“Historically if you became disabled as a frontline clinician your career options were limited, many staff felt they had no choice but to leave”, Dawn explains. “Making the workplace accessible means we retain valuable skills and experience within the service.”
“Disability is not the end of career, nor should it preclude someone from working, it’s a different perspective, where resilience, innovation and lived experience become powerful assets in shaping inclusive and impactful workplaces”
Dawn also praised EEAST’s progress in recent years, highlighting the Trust’s support of research and the leadership of Chief Executive Neill Moloney as a key ally in driving inclusive change.
“We’ve come a long way, there is still a lot to do and I am excited about what we can achieve!” she said.
In their citation the Royal College of Paramedics said, “Dawn has significantly contributed to advancing the paramedic profession and community through the development and delivery of educational packages relating to disability awareness. Her work has led to a reduction in harassment towards disabled staff and improved awareness of health inequalities faced by patients with disabilities.”
Dawn is speaking at The Emergency Services Show on the People & Skills Stage. The session at 1100 on 17 September sees her team up with ACC Andrew Price from Derbyshire Police and they will lead a discussion on improving disability inclusion in the emergency services.
Register for free now to secure your spot at the show on 17-18 September.
