Across more than half a century, Hayley’s connection to the ambulance service began long before she ever put on the uniform of her own. Her grandad, Douglas Gisby and her dad, Michael Radage, both served with the Nottinghamshire Ambulance Service, creating a legacy built on dedication, camaraderie and community spirit.
Growing up, Hayley was surrounded by stories of life on the road and the strong bonds formed between colleagues. Although her grandad sadly passed away during the COVID pandemic, his influence remains a source of pride for the family today.
Hayley said: “The ambulance service has always been more than a job for our family.”
When her parents married in 1973, Nottinghamshire Ambulance Service vehicles were even part of their wedding day celebrations.
Some of Hayley’s earliest memories are around ambulance life.
From Christmas parties at Beechdale Ambulance Station to pantomime trips organised for staff families, the service wasn’t just a workplace to Hayley and her family, it was a close-knit community.
One memory stands out above all others for her.
She said:
“Whenever my dad occasionally stopped at home during a break in the ambulance, I’d run outside asking him to put the lights on and he always did.
“Watching the blue lights flash filled me with so much joy.
“Looking back, those moments reflected the strong family atmosphere that existed within the ambulance service and helped create a lifelong connection that I still treasure today.”
After retiring in the mid-1990s, several years before EMAS was formed, Michael’s pride in being part of the ambulance service never diminished.
Today, he keeps that connection alive by running the West Notts Club on Noel Street, where retired ambulance colleagues meet monthly to share stories, memories and friendship with some members of the group continuing to champion ambulance history, running a museum filled with historic equipment and artefacts, helping preserve the service’s legacy for future generations.
These gatherings amongst old colleagues are a wonderful reminder that the ambulance family never truly retires and that the friendships built through the service continue long after careers have ended.
The spirit of service amongst her family is something which led Hayley to her life-changing decision.
She explained:
“For many years I never imagined I would follow in my dad’s footsteps. But at 43, I took the plunge and joined the ambulance service and discovered a passion I never knew I had.”
Now a Newly Qualified Technician with EMAS, Hayley says the role is a privilege.
“Being able to help people at some of the most difficult moments of their lives is incredibly rewarding.”
Today, Hayley continues the family connection that has crossed three generations.
Her dad remains her biggest supporter and seeing his lasting pride in the role continues to inspire her every day.
As EMAS marks its 20th anniversary, Hayley reflects on what that legacy truly means.
“While uniforms, vehicles and organisations may change, the dedication, humour and community spirit of ambulance people endure.
“I’m proud of my family’s history, proud of my dad and grandad and proud to continue that legacy today.”