A former semi-pro cyclist and an ex-race mechanic from Australia are among the paramedics in our region celebrating the first ever day in honour of their profession.
On the first ever International Paramedics Day, first responders from the North East Ambulance Service including Vince Potter, Rachael Knox and Luke Morrison have reflected on the best parts of their jobs and the challenges of working on the frontline during a global pandemic.
There are 812 paramedics working for NEAS in our area - and they work alongside clinical care assistants and technicians to attend more than 385,000 people in need every year. As well as out on the roads, there are 22 paramedics working in supporting NHS roles.