Paramedic Davy hangs up his boots after 38 years

A paramedic, who was inspired by his sister to join the ambulance service almost 40 years ago, has retired.

Davy Quinn is well known throughout the Magherafelt district for his job, one which has taken him to many horrific scenes over the years.

When many were faced with sickness and tragedy, Davy was one of the first faces on the scene providing medical assistance and reassurance, as well as support to his colleagues at Magherafelt Ambulance Station.

Throughout a career spanning almost four decades, the Toomebridge man has encountered lots of situations.

He has attended many major incidents, including bombings, road traffic collisions, assaults and has even delivered numerous babies.

For Davy however, he never envisaged a career with Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

“I actually worked in refrigeration engineering before I became a paramedic so my career started by accident to be honest.

“It was actually my sister who suggested that I apply for the job with the ambulance service. My mother was a midwife and my sisters were nurses but I had no medical background. I decided to apply for the job and I got it. I'm glad I did as I've enjoyed my job - you could say I've had an interesting career,” he laughed.

After a nine month stint in Derry, Davy was relocated to Magherafelt where he has remained ever since.

Davy admits that the job has been challenging at times and he has seen many changes over the last 38 years, however one thing has remained steadfast and that is his friendship with his crewmates.

“I enjoyed working with everyone and having the craic over the years,” he said.

“I was blessed to have such brilliant crewmates. You are with that person for potentially seven days a week and they become more than a colleague. We are all good friends here in Magherafelt.”

For Davy, there have been many low points in his career – the Covid-19 pandemic was a particularly tough period for him and his colleagues, however he admits that there has been plenty of positive days too.

“It was definitely a tough job at certain times, it was challenging but there was also good days too. During the pandemic it was particularly tough as you were always masked up – during the hot summer it was brutal and made the job harder,” he said.

Working on the frontline has become more and more challenging over the years, however it wasn't always that way, according to Davy.

“I will say there has been a lot of changes over the years. In the good old days you didn't do as many calls as nobody had a mobile phone,” he said.

“The worse thing that ever was invented was a mobile phone because then everyone became a good samaritan. Before 2000, we would have been sitting on night shifts and you would rarely have heard from anyone. Now, the calls come through steady.”

Although Davy has hung up his boots for now, he says it won't be the last time locals will see him.

“Although I am retired, I do intend to come back and do the odd bank shift now and again but I do plan to enjoy my retirement also,” he added.

Davy's former crewmate, Sean Lynn (pictured below with Davy), who spoke at a presentation held in Davy's honour in Mid Ulster Hospital last Thursday, said he 'will be missed by everyone'.

“I miss him already - he always went above the call of duty for everybody,” said the Dungiven man.

“At any major call, say where there was four or five ambulances in attendance, everyone was glad he was there – he was the man people wanted to see in difficult situations.

“Davy has treated people from both sides of the community and has always treated everyone the same. He is well known throughout the local doctors' practices and also by fellow emergency services, he is particularly known for his kindness and for having nearly 40 years' service under his belt.

“He has attended many incidents over the years, including bombings, incidents involving young children and older people.

“He's delivered numerous babies and there is two boys walking about Magherafelt today that he actually resuscitated around 20 years ago. He will be missed so much by everyone,” added Sean.