About Mark Myers

Mark Myers is a pseudonym and I may have made some deliberately misleading statements about myself in the course of this blog in order to maintain my anonymity. The following facts, however, are all true. Idea shamelessly copied from Tom Reynolds.

1) I’ve got a master’s degree in psychology.
2) I’m a big fan of the glamour model Jordan.
3) I have two pet mice called Amaretto and Sambuca.
4) I love football, but I can’t commit myself to just one team. I support Spurs and Leyton Orient.
5) I was once propositioned by the royal butler responsible for walking the Queen’s corgis.
6) I am an only child.
7) My previous jobs have included cleaning school toilets, life modelling for A-level art students and knocking on people’s door asking them which brand of washing powder they use.
8) I don’t drink tea or coffee. I don’t like the taste.
9) When I was interviewed for the LAS, I had luminous pink hair. I don’t now.
10) I have been a patient in an ambulance twice: once as a teenager when I fell from a roundabout in a playground and was knocked out, the second time when I fell through a window trying to break into my own house (don’t ask) and nearly amputated my little finger.

Published Nov 12, 2006 -

33 Comments on “About Mark Myers”
  1. Kingmagic Says:
    November 25th, 2006 at 6:52 am

    Hi Mark,
    enjoy reading your blog. Good to see the perspective from controls side.
    I,ve recently started my own blog..any chance of a link?
    Its “Purpleplus” with wordpress. I think carmeloalongi was the first to give me a link. Many thanks if you can….cheers, Kingmagic.

  2. Mark Myers Says:
    November 25th, 2006 at 11:03 am

    A url would be helpful ;-)

  3. Kingmagic Says:
    November 25th, 2006 at 9:39 pm

    Sorry Mark…still all pretty new to me this stuff along with electricity and gas. My url is http://kingmagic.wordpress.com/

    Cheers …Kingmagic.

  4. Mark Myers Says:
    November 29th, 2006 at 4:13 pm

    Link added :)

  5. Kingmagic Says:
    November 30th, 2006 at 5:58 pm

    Thanks Mark
    Much Appreciated, glad you,re better.
    ….Kingmagic

  6. Ben Yatzbaz Says:
    December 17th, 2006 at 11:16 am

    hi neenaw. have been a fan of your blog for a while and have just started my own. i’d like to add your blog to my links if that’s ok with you. not much there at the mo… ta
    ben

  7. Sam Says:
    December 31st, 2006 at 2:35 am

    Hi

    I participate in a number of outdoorsy type adventure sports and frequently take a GPS which gives latitude and longditude. Is this actually helpful to yourselves in the event of an accident or would a national grid reference (or something else?) be more appropriate?

    Cheers

    Sam

  8. Julie Says:
    January 3rd, 2007 at 4:29 pm

    Hi Mark,
    I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog. I was particulary struck by a posting you made back in January of last year about your ‘regular callers’. I was surprised and intrigued to learn that you get regular calls from people like Brenda. And that some of these ‘regulars’ call so many times that, over time, they become like ‘old friends’ to you.

    I’m a freelance documentary maker and it got me thinking that it would be really interesting to make a documentary about ‘regular callers’ and their impact on emergency services. I would be fascinated to understand more about the kinds of poeple who make these regular calls to emergency serivices and the reasons behind why they do it.

    I was wondering if you would be willing to talk to me further about your experiences of regular callers, either in person or via email? I’d really love to hear your thoughts on what a documentary about this could and should communicate? I’ve attached my email address above and I’m based in central London.

    It would be great to hear back from you. If you let me know your email I could fill you in more fully on who I am and what my intentions are.

    All the best
    Julie

  9. Joe Davies Says:
    January 6th, 2007 at 6:38 pm

    Hi Mark,
    I been checking out you blog for quite a while now.Excellent Blog.I have added a link to mine which was started a few weeks ago now.Its basically about me at the moment age 16 doing what i can to be a paramedic or dispatcher
    if you want to check it out

    http://www.medic-19914.blogspot.com/

    cheers Joe

  10. Glenn Says:
    January 8th, 2007 at 5:38 pm

    Dear Mr Neenaw man, please could you in your spare time and between blogging ascertain what the LAS view or even yours is on the wearing of the Star of LIfe badge. I am a Emergency First AIder and can wear the normal Green Cross, however there seems to be a “debate” (elsewhere) whether or not the Star of Life badge is reserved for more qualified bodies.

    I know your busy with prioriting calls, and arguing with the public over breaks and other bodily functions clarify this niggle of mine. No I am not a wannebe paramedic or parade around in a badged-up uniform.

    Any info would greatley be appreciated.

  11. Simon Gray Says:
    January 10th, 2007 at 4:34 pm

    Hi,

    It’ll probably do bugger all given the state of things, but you might want to publicise this petition: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/USE-999-PROPERLY/

    Cheers,

    Simon

  12. Tristán White Says:
    January 31st, 2007 at 12:33 pm

    “Mark” - was trying to contact you but didn’t have an email address for you. You should have my email of 19th Jan which I sent to the ‘postmaster’ at your neenaw domain, with information about a project I am working on. Or contact me on tristan dot white at npsa dot nhs dot uk. Thanks!

  13. Mark Myers Says:
    January 31st, 2007 at 4:27 pm

    Tristan, your email ended up in my Spam folder! I have fished it out and will reply when I’ve got more than five minutes at the computer to read it properly :)

  14. Simon Gray Says:
    February 1st, 2007 at 11:21 am

    Another news snippet for you:

    http://politics.guardian.co.uk/publicservices/story/0,,2003153,00.html

    Simon

  15. Simon Gray Says:
    February 1st, 2007 at 2:11 pm

    Aaaand another. (Stop me if I’m getting boring.) :)

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/6319675.stm

    Simon

  16. howard belgard Says:
    February 3rd, 2007 at 4:09 pm

    Mark - wonderful insights - without wanting to sound repetitve (see Julie’s text) Im a writer producer with the BBC - I have made a short pilot based at Nee Naa HQ Waterloo (which I can send to you on MP3) - its been commissioned and we’re now in the process of making a drama doc for radio based on the life of one dispatcher - if you’d like to know more and if you feel you would like to contribute to the programme which will be broadcast on Radio 4 later this year please get in touch. keep up the great postings.

  17. Aira Says:
    February 5th, 2007 at 1:39 pm

    Hi Mark

    I wonder if you might be able to help me.

    I’m currently working on a new development project, where I’m looking into the various ways in which bystanders react in distress or emergency situations.

    I think the best way of getting in touch with people who have witnessed an accident, or an emergency, is through blogs and message boards.
    But i’m just not sure how I would go about posting these. Also, I’m finding it a bit difficult to locate the right place to do so.

    I therefore wondered if you would be able to post a little note somewhere on your site, to ask anyone who might be interested in speaking to me about their experiences as a bystander to send me an email? Or perhaps you know some good sites where I should post some threads etc.

    Any help would be very much appreciated.

    Many thansk,

    Aira

  18. Simon Gray Says:
    February 5th, 2007 at 2:22 pm

    Aira,

    I work - admittedly as a graphic designer, but you learn a lot - i know how to deal with open fractures for a start :) - for a ports industry safety company which deals with specific incidences which require bystanders, casualties and professionals. Each year they host conferences which chuck that lot into a scenario and have a limited amount of time to do their job. If I can get it past them (St John Ambulance and PSSL), I can email you a sample test paper if you’re interested. I’m on simonATnertDOTcoDOTuk

    As an aside, most bystanders panic (especially with blood), and or leave the scene, or just reach for their mobiles and wait.

    First Aid should be taught at school, but I digress. Email me if interested.

    Simon.

  19. Simon Gray Says:
    February 5th, 2007 at 2:41 pm

    Aira,

    I can add to that from a bystander point of view actually (it’s lunchtime and I’m bored).

    I witnessed a nasty RTA with a pedestrian being hit by a car doing about 40mph I’d imagine. Because of my work in this industry, my initial action was to shout very loudly at people who thought it’d be A Very Good Idea to stand the man up. I despair. After my rant, I ran to a pub (luckily very near) and commandeered blankets to cover him with and beer towels to stem bleeding to head, checked vitals (well, is he breathing, and pulse) as best as I could and made him comfortable until the (very speedy for Brighton) ambulance turned up. About 20 other people were just on mobiles clogging the 999 system. I have no idea if he survived, and, not being a relative, the hospital refused to tell me. I then went for a pint… Typical bystander? Dunno.

  20. James Says:
    February 12th, 2007 at 6:06 pm

    Hi Mark,
    I love reading your blog! It’s great to find out what actually happens at your end. I’m a member of St.John Ambulance and have called 999 so many times, now I know why you ask all those questions!
    I was just wondering whether you could give me the list of the priority call colours, like a RED call or PURPLE call, etc. And the meanings of them, I’ve always wondered what they all stand for and indicate!
    I have left my e-mail address.
    Take care, hope all is well.

    James.

  21. Toni Says:
    February 18th, 2007 at 5:16 pm

    Hi mark, have just found your blogs, they are great. I have worked as a postwoman for 18 years,it’s now time for a change. I received an application form from LAS for EMD, i have always wanted to be a paramedic but afraid a bit squmish, when i was a child i used to take a first aid book to look and tell my friends used to laugh as they had things like hamsters and that and i had a first aid book.Im just looking for a bit of advice into EMD, at the moment i work 5am till 2pm but normally finish around 11.30. I know shifts are involved,but do you finally have a perminate shift after training or always on different shifts? thanks mark Toni x

  22. Toni Says:
    February 18th, 2007 at 5:16 pm

    Hi mark, have just found your blogs, they are great. I have worked as a postwoman for 18 years,it’s now time for a change. I received an application form from LAS for EMD, i have always wanted to be a paramedic but afraid a bit squmish, when i was a child i used to take a first aid book to look and tell my friends used to laugh as they had things like hamsters and that and i had a first aid book.Im just looking for a bit of advice into EMD, at the moment i work 5am till 2pm but normally finish around 11.30. I know shifts are involved,but do you finally have a perminate shift after training or always on different shifts? thanks mark Toni x

  23. Phil Says:
    February 26th, 2007 at 11:13 am

    Hi Mark,

    Have loved reading you blog and someone I know has set up a Downing street petition for a bug bear which we all hold dear: Emergency Ambulance Abuse
    The link is http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/999charges
    Don’t know if you want to make it part of you blog so others can sign up??

  24. Sarah Says:
    March 7th, 2007 at 11:00 am

    Hi Mark

    Though you might be interested that HEMS now has a new website: http://www.londonsairambulance.com
    and a new blog:
    http://londonsairambulance.typepad.com

    Sorry to spam - Am currently trying to contact sites who previously linked to the old site to keep our contacts up to date

    Thanks

  25. Nick Says:
    March 23rd, 2007 at 2:15 pm

    Hi Mark,

    I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and just wanted to say thanks. You see we at home had reason to call 999 recently and it was only because of what I’ve read on here that I didn’t completely lose it on the phone. My infant son had a nasty accident, lots of blood, and of course screaming and because I knew the type of questions I was going to be asked by the call taker I managed to stay (sort of) calm. If I hadn’t read them on here, I think I, like many of the people you speak to, would have lost it and started shouting.
    My son’s fine now and acts as if nothing happened, I’m not sure we will ever forget it though.

    Thanks again
    Nick

  26. Adam Says:
    March 26th, 2007 at 1:06 pm

    Just found this site linked in a thread at comedy website Something Awful, the thread can be found here:
    http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2387712
    I really like your writing style, and was wondering what you do between calls, or are you always busy?

    Also what qualifications, or experience do you need to do your job?

    Adam

  27. Bree Says:
    April 17th, 2007 at 7:25 am

    Hi Mark,
    I’m going for a job as an ambulance call taker. I haven’t had any experience in this particular field although I did work in a large hospital as a pharmacy technician. My wards included A+E, Main Theatre, Acquired Brain Injury and Oncology. I have been invited to an assessment which will possibly lead to an interview. I was wondering if you had any advice about what kind of qualities they are looking for and angles to take in behavioural questions like “what would you do in such and such a situation”.
    Cheers

  28. Erin Says:
    May 24th, 2007 at 8:36 pm

    We have read and enjoyed your blog, Nee Naw. We have created Legal Medicine at http://legalmedicine.blogspot.com to cover medical and nursing home issues, but from a legal perspective. We invite you to read and post comments to our blog. We would also ask that you consider adding a link to Legal Medicine on your blog, and we will add a link to yours. Please let me know if you are interested in a reciprocal link.

    Thank you for your time.

  29. Erin Says:
    May 24th, 2007 at 8:37 pm

    We have read and enjoyed your blog, New Naw. We have created Legal Medicine at http://legalmedicine.blogspot.com to cover medical and nursing home issues, but from a legal perspective. We invite you to read and post comments to our blog. We would also ask that you consider adding a link to Legal Medicine on your blog, and we will add a link to yours. Please let me know if you are interested in a reciprocal link.

    Thank you for your time.

  30. Nick Says:
    June 8th, 2007 at 1:18 pm

    Howdy, as a relatively new Call Taker with the South Australian Ambulance Service, I’m absolutely loving reading your blog.
    It seems that AMPDS isn’t as effective as I’ve been lead to believe… we’ve been told we’re moving to it, from a custom-built triage system.
    It’s rumoured we’re also changing our ‘name’ from State Communications, to something resembling Control.
    It has nothing to do with our new General Manager being from the UK, honest!

  31. James Says:
    June 11th, 2007 at 2:57 pm

    Hello,

    I would like to talk to you about advertising on your blog please give me a call. http://www.directtrafficmedia.co.uk

    Im James the publisher manager.

  32. stu Says:
    June 21st, 2007 at 7:20 pm

    Great to see the perspective of a controller, as a tech (hopefully soon to be paramedic) in the north. I enjoy ur blog, wonder which facts are deliberately there to miselad

  33. Natasha Says:
    July 12th, 2007 at 7:25 pm

    Dear Mark,

    I’m very interested in working in a similar position to yours - I believe I have relevant experience. Could you or someone else point me in the right direction, as in, where or how to apply? Any advice gratefully recieved! My email is natasha1463@msn.com. Love the blog, by the way. Very intelligently written. Thank you! :-)