Guernsey’s longest serving paramedic is celebrating 40 years of dedicated service to the community this week.
Andy Adam started his career in 1985. His first day of work was 24 June, which coincidentally is St John’s Day.
That means on St John’s Day earlier this week he marked four decades in service.
After starting work with the Patient Transfer Service, Mr Adam trained as an Emergency Medical Technician and then studied to qualify as a paramedic.
Mr Adam was appointed as an Officer of the International Order of St John last year for his outstanding service.
His association with St John had started many years before he started work though as a youth member of the first aid charity.
“As a St John Cadet, attending first aid competitions throughout the UK I knew I had found my calling, then stepping through the station doors as a full-time member of the professional service was the beginning of a journey I could never have fully imagined,”
Mr Adam said he feels the profession has changed dramatically during the time he’s been involved.
“We’ve seen advances in training, equipment, and clinical care, alongside a significant increase in call volume and complexity,” he said.
Asked about his most rewarding moments during his 40 year career, Mr Adam said there has been many.
“A few notable moments would be achieving my paramedic registration, amongst the first in Guernsey; serving as both hyperbaric decompression chamber principal and cliff rescue team principal.
“Also facilitating major incident training exercises – and then recently being invested into the Order of St John and representing the Crown Dependencies at the VE Day procession in London earlier this year. So, I am lucky to have had such an interesting and diverse career with the Ambulance Service.”
Chief Executive Officer of St John Ambulance and Rescue Service Mark Mapp congratulated Mr Adam and thanked him for his long service.
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Andy from the very start of my own career. As my former team leader, he was a valued mentor whose support and guidance helped shape my journey, as it has for so many others.
“It’s fitting that this anniversary falls on St John Day, as Andy truly lives the values of the Order. With no immediate plans to step away, Andy continues to be a steady, inspiring presence – and we’re all the better for it.”