New community defibrillator at fire station dedicated to 'extraordinary' paramedic

Rod Taylor retired from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) in 2016 after 39 years' service. He died in 2022.

During his career in the ambulance service, Rod managed the community defibrillators in Royston and the surrounding villages, regularly checking that they were ready to use in a medical emergency such as a cardiac arrest.

The new community defibrillator was installed at Royston fire station and unveiled by members of Rod’s family on 25 January.

Christine Taylor, Rod's wife, said: "Rod was with the ambulance service for 39 years. It wasn't a job to him, it was a vocation. He loved his job. He became involved with distributing AEDs in Royston and the local villages, spending many years maintaining them and giving demonstrations on how to use them.

"This unveiling means a huge amount to us as it recognises his dedication to the ambulance service and the importance of access to AEDs within the community. We are very proud of him."

The defibrillator was donated by EEAST to the fire station along with a plaque in Rod’s memory.

Stewart Wilson, a paramedic and operations manager at EEAST who worked closely with Rod, said: "This really is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary individual who loved his community and always put other people first. Rod is greatly missed by everyone in the ambulance service who had the pleasure of working with him. It was a pleasure to join his family in dedicating an AED at Royston fire station in Rod's memory."

In addition to working as a paramedic, Rod was a keen cyclist and would provide medical cover for organised cycling events in the area. He was well-known in the local community and often visited schools, rotary clubs, business forums and other events to speak about first aid and basic life support.

Royston Fire Station Commander Clive Robinson said: "We are honoured to have this life-saving piece of equipment installed at Royston Fire Station in honour of Rod, who dedicated so many years to saving lives and helping people.

"It will be available to members of the public to use - and could potentially save a life. The device, along with the plaque in his memory, will remind us of his commitment to serving this community."

Photo caption: Members of Rod Taylor's family unveil the new AED in dedication to him, along with former EEAST and fire service colleagues. Credit: Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service