Working on the frontline of NHS services is challenging and pressurised but hugely rewarding, according to an Epping Forest paramedic.

Richard Holt is based at Loughton ambulance station as a paramedic for the East of England Ambulance Service, and he says that working in the district presents a uniquely challenging mix of jobs.

He said: “We are often called to dense woodland areas where a patient may have been thrown from, or trampled by, a horse.

“Patients can often be difficult to locate and remove from the area which means we have use some use some of our specialist units such as the helicopter to help us.

“The area is also very popular with motorcyclists at the weekends and has easy links to the M11 and M25, which as you can imagine can lead to accidents.”

Despite difficulties, Mr Holt claims patients make the job worthwhile.

He said: “The most rewarding aspect of working as paramedic is when you have a positive outcome for the patient.

“This may not necessarily be a life-changing event, it may simply be sitting and talking to an elderly person who is feeling isolated and alone and managing to brighten up their day.

“I was recently called to a patient in Epping and on my arrival a man was having a heart attack and several minutes later he went into cardiac arrest.

“Fortunately a community first responder also arrived and after 15 minutes of attempting to resuscitate the patient we managed to get his heart going again.

“Six weeks later he was discharged and I was able to speak to him at home, which was a fantastic feeling.”

Mr Holt recognises the pressures the NHS is under, but claims managers are supportive of frontline staff.

He said: “Our senior managers are under pressure to meet targets such as response times and patient handovers at hospital but they are very supportive of staff especially where I work at Loughton.”

He added: “I understand the frustration and anger caused when people who are unwell have to wait for an ambulance.

“Nobody wants that situation and there are times when criticism is justified.

“Thankfully, members of the public have always been very respectful of me and my colleagues.”

In a new series on the NHS, the Guardian will feature experiences of patients, their families and staff of treatment provided across east London and west Essex. As A&Es continue to struggle with demand and politicians argue over the future of healthcare, we will publish first-hand accounts, features and news stories on the latest developments. We want to hear from you if you have something to say about your local hospital, GP surgery, or clinic. Click here for contact details of reporters covering your area. Alternatively, you can submit a story here.