John Atkins has been appointed to the Senior Leadership Team of Guernsey’s Ambulance and Rescue service in the role of Head of Resilience and Education.
As strategic lead for Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response, John is responsible for risk management and business continuity, as well as overseeing clinical education for the service.
John has a long history with the ambulance service in Guernsey, having trained as a paramedic and holding a number of training and leadership roles, before joining the senior team. He was previously Head of Operations and Acting Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer before leaving the Guernsey and relocating to the UK.
During his time in England John was Medical Services Manager and Lead Paramedic at Silverstone motor racing circuit, fulfilling the role of Tactical Medical Commander for all major events at the venue including the Formula 1® British Grand Prix, and served on Motorsport UK’s national Medical Committee. He also worked part-time as an operational paramedic with East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
On returning to Guernsey John was appointed as Assistant Training Manager at the States of Guernsey’s Institute of Health and Social Care Studies. He also worked part-time as an operational paramedic with the ambulance service.
John’s connections with St John can be traced back to his teenage years, having joined the organisation as a youth member at the age of 15. He later became a youth leader and then progressed to the position of Divisional Superintendent with the charity.
John said:
“I am delighted to have re-joined Guernsey’s ambulance service and to be heading up emergency planning and education for the organisation. My time away from the service – both locally at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital and with the NHS and at Silverstone in the UK – has been hugely valuable and has broadened my perspectives and I return to my roots all the stronger for it.”
John is a member of several professional bodies including the College of Paramedics, the Resuscitation Council, Chartered Management Institute and the Emergency Planning Society.
In his spare time John is a volunteer Community First Responder, part of the Channel Islands Air Search crew, a Douzenier (parish official) for Torteval and a member of the Clinical Governance Committee for Les Bourgs Hospice.
