Paramedic up for double at Scottish Health Awards after almost four decades in service

One of Scotland’s first paramedics who has helped thousands of patients in all sorts of crises for the past 40 years is in line for a top award.Alan McMillan became a paramedic when the Scottish Ambulance Service was set up in 1992.“Alan is one in a million – an exceptional paramedic and a phenomenal mentor,” said Alan Martin, patient experience manager of the Scottish Ambulance Service.He nominated Alan, who works in the Perth station, for the Paramedic and People’s Choice categories in the Scottish Health Awards.“Alan is a mentor, role model, and father figure to many, but he is a hero to far more.

Not just the patients who were brought back from death's door, but all the rest who required little more than a holding of the hand or a smile and some kind words.”Alan joined the ambulance service as an ambulance care assistant in 1985 and was promoted to lead ambulance man in 1990 before becoming a paramedic when the profession began in Scotland two years later.Alongside frontline work, Alan was both an instructor and an advanced life support instructor as well as paramedic team leader.Alan said: “I’m surprised to be nominated for an award as there are thousands of us going about doing this job every day.

It’s always nice when people say thank you.”When the 62-year-old retires later this year, Alan won’t be putting his feet up after 38 years in the service – he plans to carry on working part-time as a paramedic.This year’s Scottish Health Awards, run by the Daily Record in partnership with NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government, will celebrate the hard work and dedication of people like Alan who have contributed to the NHS over its 75 years.Now is your chance to nominate someone you believe deserves to be recognised