Isle of Wight Paramedic who attended 7/7 London bombings, reflects on the 20 year anniversary of the attacks

On 7 July 2005, Phil Nation, now a Paramedic for Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, was a few hours into his shift with the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) unit in London when they received an alert to attend what was reported to be multiple explosions in the city. Phil and the team were dispatched to the Kings Cross area to what we now know was one of three detonated bombs on the London Underground, shortly followed by a fourth bomb on a London bus.

Phil was ten months into his secondment with HEMS and having spent that time responding to trauma calls, felt assured by the team around him as they entered what was an unknown scene. He said, “We had to think about what was in front of us and it was incredible to see how many people went out of their way to be brave and help us as responders and those in need. It was only a few days later did I have the time to really process what happened, what we saw and what we did.”

Today (7 July 2025) marks the 20^th Anniversary of the 7/7 London bombings and a special service of commemoration is taking place. Looking back, Phil recognises the impact the day had on so many and said, “No one went to work that day expecting to see what we did. It’s important we continue to remember the events of that awful day, learn from what happened and pay tribute to the victims, their families and loved ones, and those who responded – either as part of their job or because they were nearby. So many people came together to help in incredibly challenging circumstances and I’m proud to have played a part in that.”

Phil went on to extend his secondment and spent a further 13 years with HEMS developing his trauma skills and learning from those around him. Him and his wife made the decision to relocate to the Isle of Wight in 2017 after a visit to the Island confirmed it was the place for them. Phil said, “I am so happy to be working with the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and bring the skills and experience I have learnt throughout my career to supporting to the communities I now live in.”