A Nottingham paramedic who has cared for more than 100,000 patients in his 42 year career has retired to enjoy his golden years.
Brian Wilkinson, 64, began working for the ambulance service as a Technician in 1976 from Retford Station, before moving to Worksop Station two years later.
During his time with the service, he has been instrumental in having penicillin introduced onto ambulances to help save the lives of patients with meningitis, and he has coached and supported dozens of student paramedics.
Brian has been based at Worksop for the last 40 years and has saved the lives of hundreds of people across Nottinghamshire, but has now made the difficult decision to retire.
He said: “After 42 years with the ambulance service, it hasn’t sunk in yet that I’m actually retiring.
“I’m going to spend some time relaxing, work on my golf swing, and I’m looking forward to spending more time with my grandchildren.”
Close friends and colleagues gathered at Worksop Ambulance Station this week to celebrate Brian’s long service and to wish him well for the future.
Close friends and colleagues gathered at Worksop Ambulance Station this week to celebrate Brian’s long service and to wish him well for the future.
Keith Underwood, Ambulance Operations Manager for Nottinghamshire, said that Brian has been a vital member of the EMAS team for a long time and a great ambassador for the service.
He said: “I feel privileged and honoured to have worked with Brian.
“It has been an absolute pleasure and I was delighted to have been able to present him with his long service award.”