Dr. Tim Baker, a General Practitioner (GP) in Nottingham, has devoted the past 12 years to serving as a volunteer doctor with the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS), attending to over 1,000 emergency call-outs. With an average of 120 call-outs each year, he plays a crucial role in saving approximately three lives every week.
Since beginning with EMICS in 2011, Dr. Baker has saved lives during traumatic incidents and medical emergencies in the local community. After serving as a GP for over 20 years, he decided to take on the additional responsibility of volunteering with EMICS. “I felt it was important to apply my skills in a more immediate setting,” Dr. Baker explained. Most evenings, after clocking off from his GP duties, he changes into his EMICS uniform, ready to respond to emergencies.
His role also has broader implications for the community. “In Nottingham, we’ve seen a rise in violent crime, and being part of the emergency response team means addressing those challenges head-on,” he noted. “Every time I get a call, I remind myself that my help might be the difference in someone’s life.”
His quick mobilisation often allows him to reach the scene before or alongside other emergency responders, ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care — bringing hospital-level care directly to patients immediately.
“In this line of work, response time can mean the difference between life and death,” Dr. Baker stated.
In one critical situation, Dr. Baker performed a life-saving procedure in the streets of Nottingham “We had to open the chest of one patient to control severe bleeding,” he explained. “It’s not something you do every day, but it was necessary in that moment. The teamwork was incredible; everyone played their part.” This cooperation among emergency responders highlights the importance of having highly trained individuals on-scene quickly.
Dr. Baker has also encountered unique situations that highlight the interconnectedness of his roles. “One time, I was treating a patient as an EMICS volunteer who later came into my GP practice as a patient,” he shared. “Knowing I had helped them in a critical moment before seeing them again in a different capacity.” This crossover between his roles emphasises the importance of continuity in care and the personal connections he builds within the community.
Dr. Baker’s commitment to patient care goes beyond just medical procedures. On one occasion, he responded to a call involving a child having a seizure. “When I arrived, the child’s parents were in a state of panic. They needed reassurance just as much as their child needed medical attention,” he recalled. “Once we stabilised the child, I took a moment to explain what was happening to the parents. You could see the relief wash over them.”
Dr. Baker’s passion for pre-hospital emergency medicine is clear. “It’s not the thrill of the chase that drives me; it’s the profound responsibility of being there when someone needs help the most,” he explained. “Every job is unique, and every response is a chance to make a difference.”
As he reflects on his journey, Dr. Baker remains committed to being a vital resource in emergency care, ready to respond when the community needs EMICS. His extensive experience and dedication continue to make a significant impact on the lives of those he serves in Nottingham.
“EMICS wouldn’t be here without the community’s support, and we need your help now more than ever,” said Dr. Tim Grey, Founder of EMICS. “Your donations keep us ready to respond, whether it’s emergency heart surgery on a city street or providing care in rural areas. We are incredibly proud of the role we play, and our future depends on your generosity.”
To donate or learn more about our birthday fundraiser, please visit https://emics.org.uk/news-and-updates
