Emergency Medical Technician Zoe Cox had no idea she had spent most of her life relying on lip-reading rather than her hearing until the COVID-19 pandemic hit. When face masks became compulsory, her condition suddenly became apparent, leading to a diagnosis of severe hearing loss in 2020.
Life-Changing Diagnosis
While coming to terms with her diagnosis alongside her demanding role with the London Ambulance Service, Zoe found invaluable support in deaf paramedic Richard Webb Stevens. The two medical professionals shared a touching reunion to mark Deaf Awareness Week.
Zoe now uses hearing aids to manage her severe hearing loss. Reflecting on the past, she acknowledges that certain signs were evident during her school years. She had always depended on lip-reading combined with visual cues like body language, which often led to trouble at school.
Finding Strength in Sport
After her diagnosis, Zoe found comfort in sport, where her hearing difficulties proved less of an obstacle. She thrived in football before switching to rugby, earning her first cap with the England Deaf Women's Rugby Union in 2024. Despite her achievements, she feared her diagnosis could jeopardize her career. Richard, a paramedic with 27 years of experience, offered her renewed hope and direction.
A Mentor's Journey
Richard was born with profound hearing loss and was previously turned down by the British Army due to his condition. He became the first deaf paramedic in the UK to serve on an air ambulance and currently works as a motorcycle paramedic.
Zoe told her mentor during their reunion: "You've not only been a constant source of reassurance and strength, but also a true role model for the deaf community – showing what's possible with compassion, dedication, and leadership. Your understanding, guidance, and encouragement – both professionally and personally – have made a lasting difference, and I'm truly grateful."
She gifted Richard the first rugby shirt she wore representing England's Deaf Women's team in 2024, where she earned her debut cap. She has since earned four additional international caps while maintaining her professional commitments.
Richard's Contributions
Richard shared: "I've seen Zoe thrive in the ambulance service and in her rugby. I'm hugely proud of her – she's achieving so much. She is an incredible ambassador for the deaf community and the ambulance service. And I am overwhelmed by her gift to me – I'm a massive rugby fan so this is perfect."
In 2022, Richard received the Queen's Ambulance Medal for distinguished service, acknowledging his commitment to patients and his support for deaf people pursuing careers in emergency services. When he joined the motorcycle response unit, he found the in-helmet earpiece incompatible with his hearing aid. He worked with designers, audiologists, and hearing aid companies to create a new compatible design, now used by police, medical, and military professionals globally. He also helped make 999 more accessible to deaf patients by supporting a BSL app that connects users to a video call with a BSL interpreter for life-saving help.
