A LIFE-SAVER retiring after nearly 40 years in the ambulance service has sent out a message to the public -- 'Respect my colleagues!'

Wilf Jones has worked across East Lancashire for 39 years, as an ambulance technician -- the forerunners to paramedics -- and administrator.

The 65-year-old has seen many changes, from saving patients with only a St John Ambulance certificate under his belt to new recruits needing A-levels and special training.

But one thing that upsets East Lancashire born Wilf most about the modern service has been the lack of respect shown to the crews by the public.

East Lancashire has seen a number of incidents in recent years where ambulance crews have even been attacked. In May last year, two technicians from Barnoldswick were taken to hospital following an alleged assault by a patient, and in 1999, a crew from Accrington called to Padiham had a bottle thrown through their windscreen.

Wilf, who is set to retire to Knott End with wife Ann, said: "We have got a policy like the fire brigade. If things are rough we withdraw. They are there to help, even to help drunks who fall flat on their faces. Not to be abused.

"They used to treat ambulance crews as angels in a way, who would help and support all age groups. Now society seems to think they have a right to it and they can abuse them.

"You still get a lot of people who appreciate what has been done but there are some who complain about us being late."

His first position was in 1966, working from Altham ambulance station.

During the eighties he found himself seconded to the new ambulance control room, in Preston. But he was soon back to working as a technician until his first retirement in 1999. He has controlled Blackburn ambulance station's rotas for the last few years.

He said: "I think what I will miss most is the camaraderie. You get to be one large family in a way."

Mark Taylor, Lancashire Ambulance Service operations manager for East Lancashire, said: "Wilf can be very proud. He has been extremely loyal and we will miss him immensely.

"He is a very popular member of staff and very good at his job."