This year’s International Paramedics Day, taking place on Wednesday 8 July, celebrates the theme, Innovation and Integrate, recognising the many ways paramedics support colleagues and communities while continuing to develop throughout their careers.
For Lynton Jones, that journey has spanned more than 22 years with East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), taking him from frontline paramedic to duty commander.
Earlier this year, he was recognised at the Lincolnshire Reward and Recognition event for more than two decades of service to patients, colleagues and the organisation.
Along the way, he has delivered babies, saved lives, supported colleagues through challenging incidents, and continued his own professional development.
Bringing new life into the world
Over the course of his career, Lynton has delivered 37 babies, including three sets of twins.
One family remains particularly memorable.
“I delivered one lady’s first child and then, two years later, I was called upon to safely deliver her second.
“That’s a great part of the job. Helping bring a life into the world is fantastic.
“Moments like that stay with you.”
Learning from people
Ask Lynton what has shaped him the most during his career and he doesn’t talk about promotions, qualifications or incidents.
“I think it’s the breadth of patients I’ve responded to and the different people I’ve worked with.
“We work with people from every walk of life and everyone brings something different.
“Everyone thrives in different areas and gives that little bit extra to making us all good clinicians.
“Colleagues I’ve worked with have helped make me the leader I am today.”
Lessons from life beneath the sea
Before joining EMAS, Lynton spent 13 years as a submariner in the Royal Navy.
“I used to spend anywhere from four to five months at sea.
“You’re in such a confined space and you don’t see anything or anyone else other than your shipmates for that whole period.
“You have to be a people person, and you have to be a team player.
“That’s carried through into my ambulance career.”
The transition from military life to the ambulance service also changed his view on leadership.
“The Navy taught me a lot about leadership, discipline and teamwork.
“What I enjoy about the ambulance service is that you work very closely with people and learn from the different experiences they bring.”
Seeing the impact years later
One of Lynton’s most memorable calls came on his first shift as a paramedic, when he provided life-saving treatment to a patient experiencing a heart attack.
More than two decades later, he still occasionally sees the patient enjoying retirement and spending time with family.
“That’s a pinnacle in my career.
“It’s good to know he’s still around because of the actions we took.
“We don’t always know what other lives we’ve touched when you save someone.
“When you see somebody years later spending time with their grandchildren, that’s very gratifying.”
Supporting crews through difficult moments
Today, much of Lynton’s role involves supporting crews during some of the most serious and complex incidents in Lincolnshire. That can involve helping staff navigate highly emotional situations, supporting operational decision-making, and providing assurance during challenging moments.
“We come across lots of different scenarios and lots of different people.
“It’s about taking in a various information, reading the room and then sometimes being able to diffuse tense situations.
“Years of experience help you understand when somebody needs a little bit of extra support.”
That support is something Lynton takes pride in.
“Knowing people feel they can approach me if they need support is reassuring.
“It’s quite humbling.”
Still learning after 22 years
Alongside his operational role, Lynton recently completed a Master’s degree in Forensic Science and Criminological Psychology.
From helping bring new lives into the world, to supporting colleagues through difficult incidents, his career has continued to evolve while remaining rooted in people, teamwork and patient care.