THE Welsh Ambulance Service has paid tribute to a much-loved and long-serving paramedic who died in an accident overnight.

Robin Parry Jones, who was based at Pwllheli Ambulance Station, joined the Welsh Ambulance Service in November 2000, starting his career with the Trust’s Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service.

He later qualified as a Trainee Ambulance Technician in 2002 and a Paramedic in 2005.

Such was his commitment to serving the people of Wales, Robin was also a Community First Responder Team Leader in the Llŷn Peninsula, where he supported a large team of volunteers.

Sadly, Robin died in an accident overnight on Thursday, June 23.

Jason Killens, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Robin was a much-respected, loveable and happy-go-lucky person who was well known in the Pwllheli community.

“He was one of the original Community First Responder ‘champions’, a true advocate for volunteers who became an integral link between volunteers and local stations.

“Robin, who was originally from Caernarfon, had a real passion for community resilience, and his commitment to support volunteers in his own time is a reflection of his character.

“In his spare time, Robin was a keen fisherman and a member of the local shooting community with fellow colleagues from Pwllheli.

“A proud grandfather, Robin also loved dogs and had started a local dog grooming service.

“The sudden and sad loss of Robin will be felt by all those that knew him, and we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Robin’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

“This will be an especially difficult time for operational colleagues in Pwllheli, who last year also lost paramedic Anthony Stephens, and in 2016, John Clift of the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service.

“All of us at the Welsh Ambulance Service work every day to contribute to the effort of saving lives, but we can never be prepared enough when it comes to assisting the ones we are the closest to.”