Today we are featuring Mark Sutton our National Operations Centre (NOC) Supervisor, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Mark’s career at AMS spans over 15 years, his dedication and passion for EMS shine through in everything he does. His journey has taken him across multiple countries and roles. Mark’s dedication is evident in every task he undertakes, whether it is compiling reports, answering queries, or indulging in his hobby of restoring motorcycles.
Here’s a look inside Mark’s world…
1. Who is Mark Sutton
“I am Mark Sutton, the AMS National Operations Centre Supervisor. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, my family moved frequently due to my father’s job as a mining engineer.
We lived in Uganda, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Botswana, and Namibia before finally settling in Cape Town in 1980.
Despite being born in England, I consider myself an African, having spent most of my life on this continent.”
2. Tell us about your role here and what led you to this chosen field?
“I have been with AMS for 15 and a half years, starting as a National Operations Centre Service/Flight Coordinator and now in the position as the Supervisor. My daily responsibilities include compiling reports, answering queries, and checking paperwork.
My journey in emergency medical services started during my two years as a medic in the South African Defence Force. This experience allowed me to continue doing something I enjoyed and led me to join the Cape Town City Ambulance Service, where I developed my passion for helping people.
Interestingly, two accidents, 18 years apart, marked the beginning of my career in EMS and eventually brought me to my current position. AMS provided me with the opportunity to return to the industry I am passionate about, despite my disability, which I once believed would prevent me from continuing as an active paramedic.”
3. If your life was a movie, what would it be called?
“From Northumbria to Cape Town in 12 years.”
4. What motivates you?
“I’m driven by my passion for EMS and my love for motorcycles, which I continue to ride despite my disability.”
5. How do you unwind at the end of each day to manage workload and avoid burnout?
“I restore older motorcycles in my garage and spend time with my dwarf hamster and three snakes.”
6. What’s a wild adventure you’ve had?
“My childhood was an adventure, living in various countries. I went to the Isle of Man in 2017 to watch the TT Races and then to Barcelona for the Catalunya Moto GP, exploring the city afterwards.”
7. Why have you chosen to become part of the AMS team?
“After losing my leg I had accepted that my career as a paramedic would probably be over. Then AMS offered me an opportunity to return to EMS, even if it meant a desk job. They gave me a second chance, which many people don’t get.”
8. Do you have any motto you live by?
“Live every day as if it is your last, because one day it will be. My scars tell a story, they are reminders of times when life tried to break me but failed.
