Sean is a Critical Care Doctor and an integral part of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance team. The service was launched in March 2000 and has since grown into one of the most advanced air ambulance services in the UK. The service, which uses a state-of-the-art AgustaWestland 169 (AW169) helicopter provides hospital-level critical care to the scene of an emergency 19 hours a day, 365 days a year. They recently celebrated 25 years of saving lives and have been tasked to over 30,000 missions in that time. Sean will be retiring this year after a rewarding career shaping the service we know today.

What are your best memories of BGS?

I never felt entirely comfortable academically, being more at home on the rugby pitch, representing school or house. I was in the 4ths until my A-level year but during pre-season training up at Golden Hill, the late Andy Dun, Captain of rugby, came over to us and informed us that Mr Cox, (very informally Roger, to those in the 1sts) hadn’t yet made up his mind about who was going to represent the school. At that stage I had principally played No8, Andy’s position and one for which I couldn’t realistically challenge. I switched to Flanker, played my socks off and was in! I went home on cloud 9

I was also active on the technical side of drama performances, again both house and school. We did a production of Macbeth. My role was lighting and we used a clever combination of make-up and lighting so that when Macbeth was on stage the Witches appeared gorgeous and seductive, when he was absent, the became ugly and could be seen for what they

were. If I remember correctly, Jeremy Northam was the lead, the female roles being fulfilled by girls from Colston’s Girls. Further, the Evening Post recommended our production over that of the Bristol Old Vic’s which was running at the same time.

Can you remember any teachers who had an impact on you?

Mr Elphick taught me Chemistry for O-Level and two thirds of the way through A-Level. I have a bit of guilt that I didn’t pursue the subject at university. His background in industry informed his teaching and brought his lessons to life.

Mr Cockitt was a great supporter of mine and encouraged me to contemplate 7th Term Cambridge entrance exams. I am glad that I was able to repay his confidence in me.

What did you do after school?

Having done 7th term I had an enforced 9 months off. I suppose a Gap Year in modern parlance. I went to Canada to become a Rugby Coach at Upper Canada College in Toronto. This through an introduction from Mr Payne, previously my O-Level Biology teacher who had emigrated and taken up a post at the school. As the school year ended I worked for 6 weeks on a farm before hitch hiking out to Vancouver and back. It really was a different world!

Why a doctor?

I had grown up wanting to be a pilot, very specifically an RAF pilot. I was surrounded by RAF people. My Grandfather was a Flight Engineer in Costal Command during WWII. My Mother worked for an ex 617 Squadron Air Gunner. Our landlord was an ex Vulcan Pilot flying for BA. There was nothing that I wanted to do more. Then I became short sighted. A replan was required. I was always better at maths and sciences. I never fancied working in a lab so considered Vet Medicine initially. For this reason my A-Level choices were Biology, Chemistry and Physics. I have long regretted dropping Maths, my best subject. Then I spent 2 weeks with a vet. I couldn’t get my head around the economics so decided that Medicine was a better choice. Had I known that from the start I would have taken Maths instead of Physics at A-Level.

What have been the highlights of your career?

There have been some specific clinical incidents in which I take great pride. Contrary to popular belief, we are seldom “Saving Lives”. Indeed, much of my career in Anaesthetics has been very mundane, sometimes life changing for my patients, but very routine for me. There are however,

a handful of case where I think that I can justifiably claim to have been the difference. And then there has been my 9 years with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. An opportunity to work with some of the most remarkable and focused clinicians that it has been my privilege to know. As I approach retirement I am mindful that this phase of my career has been extremely satisfying and that I am lucky to bookend my clinical practise in this way.

What challenges are there in your industry currently?

Ironically, considering the reasons for me eschewing Vet Medicine, the economics of modern medical care. Increasing need, improved techniques and better outcomes all come at a cost and it is a societal challenge that I’m not sure that we are engaging with adequately.

What’s next for you?

I have been semi-retired for 5 years, dropping my hospital practise at 61 but continuing with my pre-hospital role. So come July, when I finish, it wont be too abrupt. I hope. Mindful that I will have more time, I have already started to give more time to my hobbies. These are photography, including a return to film photography, and model building.

What motivates you?

At home, my Family. I have an hugely supportive wife and two equally supportive Daughters, both currently in higher education. At work, trying to do the best by the patients that I meet and support my colleagues in what can be a challenging work environment.

How do you relax?

I read a lot. Science fiction is large part of my library, but I am also interested in the history of space exploration, Soviet and Russian as well as the American program.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

It will work out!