Congratulations John on 30 years of service

Critical Care Paramedic John McCusker, based at Watford station, will be celebrating an amazing 30 years with the ambulance service next month.

Need to Know caught up with John to ask him about the highs and lows of the last 30 years.

Here’s what he had to say:

“I started off in catering, but I didn't like the job I was doing. I saw an advert in the Evening Standard for London Ambulance Service (LAS) and the rest is history.

“I was 22 when I joined LAS and two years later I joined the then Hertfordshire Ambulance Service.

“Over my time with this trust I have seen the 'job' change so much, from the time that technicians didn't even have or use a stethoscope or use a defib, to where we are now with a huge amount of diagnostic equipment and clinical skills in comparison. 

“Call wise, the most memorable have been the Watford and Hatfield train crashes, and the many babies I’ve helped to deliver along the way (I stopped counting after 20!). The list is endless really.

“I was only going to stay for a year while I decided what I really wanted to do and just stayed. I enjoy the variety; you never know what the shift will bring. I have been a manager, emergency care practitioner, critical care paramedic, helped develop the beloved DATIX system, worked with the air ambulance as part of the HEMS team (great job), and am also an assessor for the HCPC. At present I work on an ambulance with a really great student. If we get called to a critical care job, then I am able to use a few additional drugs and skill learnt as part of the HEMS team.

“I stay with the Trust because, deep down, it’s still a good job.”

On behalf of everyone here at the Trust - congratulations John on your incredible achievement. Here’s to the next 30 years!

Published 6th June, 2016