A DORSET life-saver has retired after 40 years in the ambulance service.

Pete Duffin joined South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust in September 1973 and has since worked across Dorset.

His first call was at a leisure park. He said: “On my first morning on the job, at approximately 11am, I attended my first 999 call, a teenage lad who had fallen off a go-cart and sustained a fractured lowered leg. With no previous emergency driving experience I was told that I was driving.”

Mr Duffin continued with his training and became a fully fledged ambulance crewman.

Then in March 1982 he was appointed to the position of control officer in the control room, before being promoted to control superintendent.

In this role he helped to implement the first IT based planning system. In the late 90s he became involved in the training of 999 call advisors, and following a part-time teaching diploma course in 2008, has spent his time training in either the A&E service line or the Out of Hours and NHS111 service line.

Mr Duffin said: “I have had a long and varied career and have been blessed to have had as many different opportunities as I have.

“One of my main goals has always been to be focused on the patient and I believe that in various ways I have achieved that objective.”

To celebrate his retirement a party was held, with a live band and buffet.

Ken Wenman, chief executive of SWASFT, said: “To have achieved 40-years service with the ambulance service is an absolute credit to Pete. During his time with the Trust he has provided care to countless patients and has been a credit to his profession.

“On behalf of the Trust Board of Directors I would like to wish Pete all the best for the future and thank him for all his hard work.”