Lifesaver Phil retires after 41 years of service

ONE half of a duo of paramedics who have almost 90 years of service has retired just weeks after they were honoured for their lifesaving community service.

Dave Hankins and Phil Crowther were given a civic award by the chairman of Wychavon District Council, Cllr Frances Smith.

The pair worked on a rapid response vehicle based at Evesham. Dave started with Worcester City and District Voluntary Ambulance Service in July 1969 while Phil started in London in 1975 before moving to Worcestershire in 1979.

But now Phil has retired after 41 years of work with the ambulance service.

As well as being a paramedic, Phil was a stalwart of the Staff Advice and Liaison Scheme (SALS), which supports ambulance staff who have had to deal with particularly traumatic cases.

Phil said: “I have had a fantastic career. In particular, I am immensely proud that I helped to train no fewer than 120 paramedics when I worked in the training department.”

Dave, who has no plans to retire in the near future, added: “I am immensely proud to work for West Midlands Ambulance Service. The way we treat patients has moved forward so much since I started.

“I know some people don’t enjoy their job, but I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every single day helping people; helping my community.”