One of the first paramedics in Leicestershire retires after 46 years

One of the first paramedics in Leicestershire has retired after nearly 50 years on the front line.

Vince Lowe joined Leicester City Ambulance Service as a trainee in 1974, when he was just 19 years old. He was one of the first 15 paramedics in the county.

Mr Lowe, who lives in Glenfield, said he spent just 30 minutes training on his first day before he was out on the roads responding to 999 calls. The 65-year-old then completed the ‘Millar course’, where he was trained in basic first aid before working his way up to become a paramedic.

Reflecting on his esteemed career, he said one of his greatest moment was saving a baby's life. He said: "I remember on that day that I was on a fast response vehicle on my own and was called to a very poorly child.

"When told that back up was 20 minutes away, I knew I just needed to crack on with the job at hand and help save the little boy’s life. You can’t really describe the feeling of what it is like to get someone back in front of your very own eyes. All I know is that it has stuck with me and I won’t forget it."

His colleagues have praised his passion and commitment, and wish him all the best for his retirement.

Lee Brentnall, Ambulance Operations Manager for Leicestershire said: "I had the pleasure of being Vince’s Operational Support Manager in 2011 when I moved to Loughborough and Coalville Ambulance Stations

"The first thing that struck me about Vince was his passion and commitment for his profession and his patients. He brought a unique sense of humour to work with him that I’m sure he developed over his many years of service.

“He had a positive impact on so many of his patients lives across Leicestershire, one he should be rightly proud of. It was a pleasure to work alongside such a committed paramedic and I wish him and his family all the best for his retirement."

Mr Lowe now looks forward to putting his feet up with his wife of 38 years, Gillian, and their rescue cat Twiggy.