A soldier drafted in to help out during the ambulance crisis liked the job so much he is training to become a full-time ambulance technician.
Private Paul Gordon joined the Army as a 16-year-old and saw active service in Afghanistan but even after he left the military, he stayed with his regiment 7SCOTS in Perth.
But he has now decided on a change of career after volunteering to help Scottish Ambulance Service crews as part of the government plan to reduce waiting times.
Paul, 28, was so inspired by the people he was working alongside, he quickly decided he wanted to follow in their footsteps and this week he starts on his journey to being a technician.
Instead of a life in the Falklands, Kenya, Germany, Italy, Afghanistan or Oman, he found himself knocking on doors in Banchory, Huntly and Freuchie.
Paul said: “My time with the regular Army really helped. I am able to bond and speak to people and work as part of a team and adapt.
“I am also able to respond to calls where someone is not breathing from my past experience.
“I really enjoyed working in different locations, working with the technicians and paramedics and working for the Army as part of the NHS.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We are absolutely delighted that Paul has decided to join SAS and wish him well with his training and his career as a technician.”
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