Salisbury paramedic Roland ‘Roly’ Revell is retiring after an extraordinary 50 years with the ambulance service in roles across Wiltshire.
Roly joined the service in 1976 as an ‘Ambulance Man’, before progressing to become a ‘Leading Ambulance Man’ at a time when the paramedic role did not exist.
He later became one of the founding members of Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance, working with the service when the aircraft also operated as the police helicopter.
Roly subsequently returned to Salisbury, where he worked as a paramedic before becoming a Clinical Team Leader.
During his half a century career, he has treated thousands of patients and supported families through some of their most difficult moments.
He has also helped deliver babies and, in more recent years, has focused on mentoring and supporting the next generation of paramedics at Salisbury Ambulance Station.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has paid tribute to Roly as he prepares for retirement.
The trust said: “We’re incredibly proud of everything Roly has achieved and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.”
His contribution has also been recognised outside the ambulance service, with Roly selected as a finalist for the Salisbury Radio Lifetime Achievement Award.
The trust added: “Thank you for 50 incredible years, Roly. From all of us at #TeamSWASFT, we’re wishing you a long, happy and healthy retirement!”
