Glowing tributes paid in Limerick to Mark Dixon whose proud legacy is saving lives

GLOWING tributes have been paid to a man who revolutionised care for thousands involved in critical incidents.

Many will not know that their lives were saved or that they had better outcomes thanks to pioneering Mark Dixon.

The late Mr Dixon was a former senior lecturer in Paramedic Studies at the School of Medicine, University of Limerick, and an advanced paramedic and training officer with the former Mid-Western Health Board and National Ambulance Service.

READ NEXT: Limerick musician and singer John regaled nurses with his beautiful voice on day he died

Limerick Fire and Rescue Service, Irish Coast Guard, and the Paramedic Studies School of Medicine in UL have all paid their respects to Mr Dixon.

Formerly of Blyth, Northumberland, UK, he passed away unexpectedly at home in Ennis on October 17.

A post on Limerick Fire and Rescue Service’s social media accounts said that Mr Dixon worked alongside them on countless occasions. 

“We were privileged to benefit from his immense knowledge, experience, and professionalism—whether at incidents, on training courses, or during joint exercises.

“We were also honoured to collaborate with Mark on his pioneering study into spinal immobilisation during pre-hospital extrication, part of which was carried out at Limerick City Fire Station. This groundbreaking work became the catalyst for significant advancements in casualty care at road traffic collisions, helping to improve patient outcomes across Ireland and beyond,” reads the post.

Through their involvement in the Paramedic Studies Programme at UL, local firefighters witnessed first-hand the lasting impact of Mark’s dedication to enhancing out-of-hospital emergency care. 

“His vision, passion, and commitment have shaped the education of countless paramedics and emergency responders.

“Mark’s legacy in pre-hospital care will continue to benefit generations to come, and he will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude by all who had the privilege to work with him,” reads the post on behalf of Limerick Fire and Rescue Service who extended their condolences to Mr Dixon's  devoted wife Margaret, loving daughters Sarah, Katie and Róisín, extended family, colleagues in NAS and UL, and his many friends.

 A post on Paramedic Studies at the School of Medicine, University of Limerick social media accounts said Mr Dixon “didn’t just build a curriculum — he built a legacy”.

“Though he is gone, he lives on in every student paramedic and in the team  that he built in Paramedic Studies UL. His favourite words ‘did learning take place’ will echo in our ears each time we stand in front of a class. 

  “We have witnessed first-hand the lasting impact of Mark’s dedication to enhancing out-of-hospital emergency care. His vision, passion, and commitment have shaped the education of countless paramedics and emergency responders.

“Mark’s legacy in pre-hospital care will continue to benefit generations to come, and he will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude by all who had the privilege to work with him,” reads the post.

A tribute on Shannon Airport based Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 115's account said Mr Dixon was  “a visionary and pioneer of pre-hospital care and education in Ireland”.

 “His contributions to emergency medicine in Ireland will never be forgotten.”