The Department of Health’s Chief Ambulance Officer, Steve Sieling is retiring after 20 years of service with the Isle of Man Ambulance Service.
Steve, who retires on 31 May 2012, took up a post as an Ambulance Training Officer with Noble's Hospital in October 1992, having joined Bedfordshire Ambulance in 1983 where he progressed from Patient Transport Service to Paramedic with additional qualifications as tutor and driving instructor. He progressed with the Isle of Man Ambulance service to Chief Ambulance Officer in 2005.
Steve Sieling, reflecting on his time in the Isle of Man Ambulance Service, said:
'Working as part of a fantastic dedicated team makes me proud, with special mention for all the commitment and productivity from Russell Thornhill, Raymond Beattie and Peter Smith, not forgetting the mentorship from Mike Whiteside in the early days.'
'To my family it was funny as I hated the sight of blood. Over the years, I have overcome this fear. Working as a Paramedic and most recently as Chief Ambulance Officer has been challenging but very inspiring. It has meant that my family have had to be extremely flexible as plans can change at the last minute. I look forward to putting them first, being more involved in the younger ones growing up and spending quality time with the older ones.'
Steve continued:
'I remember my first TT fortnight, back in 1993, as a shock. I had to put all my training to good use, working from very early mornings to late nights for most of the fortnight. The Ambulance Service used to provide cover for all practice and race sessions, which the Island’s Volunteer Services have now taken up, freeing the Ambulances to continue their invaluable work providing emergency care across the Island.'
There has been much change from when Steve started, with only one ambulance on duty all day for emergencies as well as Patient Transport Service, to four in-service ambulances providing emergency care across the Island. Steve set up full training for Paramedics including drug administration. This along with continuing changes to equipment and vehicles has meant that the Isle of Man Ambulance Service is ready to meet the changing demands, which have seen emergency call attendances grow from 2,000 per year in the early 1990s, to over 7,000 last year (2011).
David Killip, Chief Executive Officer said:
'It has been a pleasure working with Steve, who has met the varying challenges in his career with great enthusiasm and dedication. I am sure that Steve will enjoy retirement with the freedom to spend time with the family and continue to nurture his love of vintage cars. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.'
