A west Dorset paramedic has been named ‘best student’ after combining ambulance shifts with classroom studies.

Tom Staple, from Bridport, won the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) graduate paramedic award for the ‘best overall student’ on the paramedic science course at the University of West of England, Bristol.

Tom collected the prize at his graduation ceremony after doing the higher education diploma alongside SWASFT work to show his five children that ‘anything is possible’.

After working in the care sector for 12 years, Tom has worked for the ambulance service as an emergency care assistant since 2008. He recently completed the three-year course to become a newly qualified paramedic.

Tom said: “I have dreamed of being a fully-fledged paramedic since I was a teenager after being inspired by my grandparents, who spent their lives looking after other people.

“Having worked on the road for 11 years, I applied for the course even though I hadn’t done any formal education for a long time. I wanted to be able to do more for my patients and prove to my children that anything is possible.

“It has been hard to balance my studies with work, but I have had fantastic support from my partner, family and friends.

“Essays are not my friend, but I gave each one 100 per cent and somehow managed to complete the course. You could say I have been persistent.

“I was completely surprised to win the award. But I put so much into my course, wasn’t afraid to ask for help and was always happy to help others. I am honoured to have been chosen from the cohort. Now I am aiming to be the best paramedic I can be.”

Bridport paramedic Janet Ogden added: “Tom is the most conscientious student you will ever meet. He genuinely believes in his role and has an incredible understanding of his patients and their feelings and fears.

“He has always shown a thirst for knowledge and by believing in himself, has the capability to go far.”