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Family’s heartfelt tribute to much-loved paramedic who saved countless lives across northern Lincolnshire

A much-loved, selfless paramedic who saved countless people’s lives across northern Lincolnshire and dedicated his time to helping others tragically took his own life, an inquest has heard.

Chris Long, 45, died at his home address on Woodale Close, Scunthorpe, on October 8, 2021, following a battle with his mental health, Cleethorpes Coroners’ Court heard on Tuesday.

The devoted dad-of-two began working for the East Midlands Ambulance Service – then the Humberside Ambulance Service – in 1995 as an ambulance care assistant, before qualifying as a paramedic in 2009.

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In April 2021, he began working in a managerial role in the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, but still responded to patients through his role as a Bank Paramedic.

From a young age, Chris volunteered his time to support his local community, operating as a LIVES Medical First Responder and working in a number of roles with St John’s Ambulance.

He was also a chairperson of Rescue Day in Crowle, which was the UK’s biggest annual emergency services day, and helped to direct the popular annual event while raising funds for the installation of public access defibrillators.



Chris dedicated his life to helping others
Chris dedicated his life to helping others

The Assistant Coroner for North East Lincolnshire, Marianne Johnson, told the inquest that Chris was a “well-liked and valued” member of the ambulance service.

In 2018, Chris started to struggle with his mental health, and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

Just one day before his death, Chris had taken his daughter to her first day at Air Cadets, and subsequently sent his former wife Michelle a text message to say how “proud” he was of her, the inquest heard.

Tragically, the following day, on October 8, Chris took his own life.

Speaking after the inquest, Chris’ former wife Michelle Long and his sister, Louise Dickinson, said Chris was devoted to helping others and spent his life volunteering when he wasn’t at work.

Michelle said: “He saved a lot of people’s lives. His life was all about volunteering from being young. Even when he wasn’t at work, his hobby was working and helping others. He just never stopped.”

Louise said: “He had a real impact on a lot of people’s lives. After he died, some of the Facebook comments were so lovely, so many people wrote that he had cared for them. We were incredibly proud of him, he was a really special person.”

When life is difficult, Samaritans are there – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them free on 116 123 or email them at jo@samaritans.org. Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, they won’t judge you or tell you what to do. They’re there to listen so you don’t have to face it alone.

Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

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