“London is calling”: BBC ambulance star inspired by parents to care for the capital

An ambulance crew member from London Ambulance Service has revealed how his refugee parents influenced his decision to care for the people of the capital.

In 1995 Omar’s parents fled civil war in Somalia and instilled in him a sense of duty to help those in need, which has never left him.

Emergency Medical Technician Omar, who featured in the latest episode of ‘Ambulance‘ on BBC One, was born in London after his parents moved to the UK. He said: “It’s like a full circle. This city welcomed them with open arms and now it’s a real privilege to give back to the same city and serve the community. London is calling.

“My parents always taught me to do the right thing and look out for people. When patients call us and need our care, they are in some of the worst moments of their life. My number one job is to be there for them and give them the help they need.”

And looking out for the next generation, Omar – who works out of St John’s Wood – also hopes that he can inspire his six-year-old son to become a paramedic when he’s older. He added: “When he sees me put on my uniform he thinks I’m a superhero running around saving lives everywhere.

“It’s just nice to see that in your kid’s eye. The way he looks at you and feels about the job you do.”

And following their everyday moments with patients and ambulance colleagues on the streets of London, viewers of the show warmed to the self-styled ‘buddy cop’ duo Omar and crewmate Kez.

In an exchange with Kez, Omar admitted that he watched buddy cop movie Bad Boys recently, drawing comparisons between the film stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence and the crewmates.

“I’d say I’m more Will Smith”, Omar jokes.

Omar, who lives in Ealing, said: “Working with Kez is an absolutely privilege. We’re pretty much a dynamic duo: he’s a real clinical whiz and knows what to do in any clinical scenario. And I’m more of a people person so I can help reassure patients.

“So we’re two sides of the same coin. We’re the dream team because we complement one another and bring out the best in each other.”

Paramedic Kez added: “Working with Omar has been one of the best opportunities I’ve ever had, particularly as he has such a high standard when caring for our patients. As a friend, he is also very supportive and we have learned a lot from each other working side by side for many years.”

Kez, from Hainault in Ilford, started in non-emergency patient transport before progressing to become a paramedic after studying his paramedic science degree in west London, adding: “It was one the best choices I’ve ever made.”

Omar is now studying to become a paramedic. He said: “Being an Emergency Medical Technician has been a great experience and has been the perfect role for me.”

The latest episode of Ambulance featuring Omar and Kez is now available on BBC iPlayer.

For more information about career opportunities at London Ambulance Service visit our careers page on our website.