'My 50 years as a paramedic have been so enjoyable'

Ray Lloyd joined the service in 1975

A paramedic who has served the West Midlands for 50 years has described every moment as "incredibly enjoyable".

Ray Lloyd began his career in 1975 as a miller, equivalent to a technician role today, and has cared for thousands of patients in their most critical moments. Throughout the years he has taken on roles to support his colleagues as a union representative and a staff advice and liaison volunteer.

"I enjoy meeting people. I'm not the sort of person who would like to work in an office or a factory because I like to get out and about and do and see different things, so the career has suited me well," he said.

He is one of the service's longest-serving staff members.

The 72-year-old from Birmingham went on to become one of the first people in the UK to carry the title of "paramedic" after the role was introduced in 1971.

He helped establish and launch key sections of the modern ambulance world, including clinical team mentors and hazardous area response teams.

Reflecting on his career, Mr Lloyd said: "There's been a lot of change since when I started, no doubt about that, but it has been incredibly enjoyable."

"It's also why I've been happy to take on the other roles to help support colleagues, because I'm a people person and I like to be able to offer support to others, whether that is patients or staff."

Mr Lloyd described being faced with more than 30 bulls that had escaped from an overturned lorry on the motorway as one of his career highlights.

"To anyone thinking of becoming a paramedic or joining the ambulance service, I would say absolutely go for it," he said.