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Starting a new job is tough for anyone – but for paramedics, the stakes are higher. They have to navigate unpredictable shift patterns, respond to a wide range of complex emergencies, and manage their own emotional responses when calls get difficult.
Andy Walton, Staff Psychological Wellbeing Advisor at North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), noticed a rising number of anxiety referrals for newly qualified paramedics (NQPs). He realised there was a gap – a resource for staff just starting out that could offer practical advice on coping with the emotional pressures of the job.
The result was SHIFT Zine, a print booklet created with NQPs and designers Fiona Quadri and Zoë Thompson. I spoke to Andy about the idea behind the zine and the impact it is having on mental health conversations at NEAS and across the sector.
“We called it SHIFT because of shift patterns, but also because anxiety itself can shift and move on. It’s about changing the narrative around mental health too.”
Andy Walton, Staff Psychological Wellbeing Advisor, NEAS.
NQPs were the focus not only because many were experiencing anxiety, but also because they were more willing to talk about it. “We’re seeing a generational shift in how mental health is discussed,” Andy said. “Many newly qualified paramedics are more comfortable opening up about their worries and how they manage them.”
The zine starts with quotes from NQPs encouraging peers to talk about mental health and set realistic expectations for what they can handle on the job. Alongside photos and illustrations of life on shift and in downtime, NQPs share their strategies for protecting their wellbeing before, during, and after work – and what drew them to the role in the first place.
SHIFT Zine avoids ‘clinical jargon and model answers’, instead sharing real experiences and practical insights from the people it’s designed to help. Key themes include burnout, imposter syndrome, making the most of free time, and staying connected with crew mates.
In a digital-first world, the print format makes SHIFT Zine stand out. I asked Andy why he chose a physical booklet over a video or online resource.
“When people take in information, having it in print, away from the distractions of a phone, can help them really absorb it,” Andy said. He added that online resources are cheaper, but risk adding to screen fatigue. The print format also gave them a chance to use colourful, engaging designs and make the zine memorable.
“I wanted to create something that sets the tone across the organisation. To show that we can talk about mental health in a vibrant, inspiring and empowering way.”
SHIFT Zine has won praise from the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) and the College of Paramedics (who are considering including it in staff packs). On the frontline, paramedics of all ages and experience levels have told Andy that reading the zine helps them feel less isolated, and they appreciate its non-clinical, relatable approach.
Andy emphasised that while looking after your own mental health, and supporting colleagues, is important, lasting change also depends on structural factors. “Job design, rotas and shift patterns need to be trauma-informed and recognise that humans are doing this work,” he said.
NQPs and other staff can access the zine in print, every NQP at NEAS received a copy, or via the ParaPass app. Paramedics from other services can also request it. Andy believes the themes are relevant across the ambulance sector, but the initial project focused on NQPs due to capacity.
The project has helped paramedics at NEAS open up about their mental health, and Andy is positive about what everyone has learned. “The lesson of SHIFT is to keep talking about wellbeing in a normal, positive way – not to box it off. It’s part of life,” he said.
You can read SHIFT Zine online here.
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