Dispatch Assistant, Jay Turner, has worked in a variety of roles during his many years working in the NHS. Since 2016 Jay has been working on the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) Desk alongside one of our HEMS paramedics. Here they monitor 999 emergency calls that come into South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) control centre, to establish if the patient is in need of the advanced skills of the Charity’s Critical Care Team.
You recently celebrated a milestone at work, could you tell us more about that?
This summer marked my 24th year working for the NHS. Where has the time gone? So many incidents, challenging situations, great stories and remarkable people met along the way.
In that time my roles have varied from Emergency Call Taker, Critical Systems Support Manager, Trainer for Command and Emergency Response Dispatcher. Working with energetic, highly motivated and super fun people, who go way beyond the extra mile to help, has made my career wonderfully memorable.
What have been some of your highlights throughout that time?
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to meet Steph, a former patient who featured in the Spring edition of Helimed 56, who was involved in a life-threatening road collision. From the 999 calls that came in that day I knew that she urgently needed the help of our Critical Care Team. Hearing Steph’s firsthand account was very emotional, yet hugely inspiring. Her recovery story was breathtaking and reinforced what a remarkable team and NHS specialists we have. That was a real highlight.
A totally separate incident involved trying to locate a jet ski casualty “somewhere off the South Coast of England”, which was also a memorable moment. The location finder app, what3words, that we often use now, wasn’t available back in those days. It was just a pen, paper, a map book and a brick-sized mobile phone.
I also did a live TV interview with Louise Minchin, from Real Rescues, which was quite the experience. We had an unfortunate giggle attack moments before going live.
How has your role with HIOWAA changed over the years?
The Coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact, both practically and emotionally. We have many new operating procedures, including team safety and a new collaboration with the RAF. The role is more complex and the workload, at times, is phenomenal.
In the ambulance control centre, there are now teams of midwives, social workers, urgent care practitioners, mental health services and many 999 call takers.
You’re known throughout the Charity for being in a band; what do you love about playing music?
I love playing guitar, sharing my music and seeing people’s reaction. Creating a guitar riff that becomes a song and appears on our album or playlist is an awesome feeling. When playing live, say a wedding or a charity event, feeling the energy build and connecting with the crowd is an amazing experience. A happy crowd equals a very happy Jay.
If you could be in any band, what band would that be and why?
Going back in time to join Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac or the Jeff Beck Group would be cool. I love their ground-breaking approach, phenomenal musical and life stories. However, my three bands, SirenBlue, Monkey Closet and Spot On Production’s house band keep me busy enough.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
TV cameraman, firefighter, session musician or architect, to name but a few.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Just get on that train and see what happens. If the romance comes to nothing, use your return ticket quickly. Either way, you will know.
What’s on your bucket list?
On my last visit to New Zealand I went hang gliding and white-water rafting; on my next trip I would like to do a parachute-jump. I would also like to write a rock opera or film score, release a solo classical guitar album and complete the Rubik’s Cube in under 28 seconds, so not much.
What makes you get out of bed in the morning?
The second I open my eyes my dogs excitedly spring to life and insist it’s play time. It’s such a beautiful start to the day: full of energy, fun and unconditional love.
What quote do you live by?
I have several: use your time wisely, we all have a story to tell, life isn’t a dress rehearsal it’s the real deal and, lastly, never underestimate the value of a smile.
