A paramedic and a firefighter who met while driving ambulances during the pandemic have got engaged.
Student paramedic Lauren Biffen works for South West Ambulance Service and firefighter Martin Green volunteered to help the service during the pandemic because of his experience in driving emergency vehicles.
The couple crossed paths at the end of June in Shepton Mallet and quickly bonded.
Lauren happened to be working an overtime shift and came across Martin rigorously checking the ambulance.
‘I thought to myself…he’s keen,’ she said.
Lauren describes herself as the straight talker in the relationship and Martin as the charming one.
Martin added: ‘There was something very special about Lauren..
‘I admire everyone in the NHS for the care, commitment, and support they provide.
‘Yet I knew immediately Lauren is just one in a million. We just hit it off straight away and became good friends.’
Martin had volunteered to support ambulance crews to drive vehicles and work alongside clinicians to provide care and assistance to patients in April.
Lauren said: ‘Having volunteers from the fire and rescue service, as part of our wider pandemic response plans, has meant that we have been able to maintain our levels of ambulance cover in order to deliver patient care.
‘Firefighters know how to drive under emergency situations in fire engines, and this skill can be applied to driving ambulances safely and smoothly both in responding to an emergency and conveying patients to hospital, which is making a significant contribution during the pandemic.’
Martin said that he loves his job which helps him make a difference.
‘I am doing a job I believe in and I’ve also met Lauren. I’m the lucky one.
‘At work, I think we’re both very practical people. When you work in the emergency services, you’re never shocked.
‘We know immediately what we each bring and how to work as a team when we turn up to a scene and make the most of our skills.
‘We’ve shared insights and knowledge on both sides.’
Lauren added: ‘You can never plan anything.
‘It’s not the kind of job where you can expect to finish on time. We really don’t mind though as we’re helping people at the end of the day. But it does make it difficult to plan dinner together!’
Martin proposed to Lauren in front of their Christmas lights.
The pair will be moving into their new home together at the end of March – forming a new emergency services family with their two cats, Sam and Lola, and dog, Henry.
Congrats to the couple!
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