After 31 years of service, Dave “Tuna” Turner has retired from the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), bringing to a close a career that has spanned frontline operations, specialist response and team leadership.
Dave joined EMAS in 1994, starting out in Patient Transport Services (PTS) in Newark. He has described his time in PTS as invaluable, helping him develop the communication skills and adaptability that would underpin his later work in emergency care. He progressed to Emergency Medical Technician before qualifying as a paramedic in 2006.
Picture credit: EMAS
A former Royal Engineers Troop Medic, Dave had applied to the ambulance, fire and police services after leaving the Army, but said the ambulance role “felt right”. His Army nickname, “Tuna”, earned during his time as a goalkeeper, stayed with him throughout his career.
In 2009, Dave became one of the original members of the Trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) when it went live. The specialist team was developed to enhance the ambulance service’s ability to respond to major and complex incidents, in the wake of events such as the King’s Cross fire and the 7 July 2005 London bombings.
He later took on the role of HART Team Leader in 2012, supporting colleagues working in high-risk environments and promoting a culture of openness and teamwork. Dave has often said that success in emergency care depends on the strength of the team around you.
Reflecting on his career, he said the role was more than just a job, describing it as “a calling”. He added that he is proud to think that, across the region, families have been able to spend precious time together thanks to the efforts of ambulance staff.
Sid Murphy, HART and Special Operations Manager at EMAS, said Dave’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter for the service, praising his authenticity, courage and longstanding commitment to patients and colleagues alike.
