Paramedic died in suspected suicide

A paramedic died in a suspected suicide days before his co-workers warned the stresses of the job were getting too much and urging their boss should quit.

Tributes have poured in for Colin Bolsom, 42, after he was found dead in a public park in Bideford on Saturday.

He worked for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, and his death has shocked his former colleagues.

His death came as unions representing workers at the trust warned of huge staff pressures on the job and public failings – including an open letter calling for chief executive, Ken Wenman, to resign.

Staff were told of the death on Monday, through a special bulletin which spoke of the trust’s ‘deep regret and sadness’.

The organisation offered support to any staff who felt they might need it, having identified ‘a number of staff who were directly or indirectly involved with the sad incident’.

Family and friends have since posted moving tributes to Colin, from Devon, on social media.

Police say their were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Colin’s death and an inquest will be held at a later date.

On Monday an open letter written by union members was published that said the trust was ‘failing to address major issues and the toll from not doing so is having an enormous effect upon increasing numbers of staff.’

Another member of staff who asked not to be named said he was currently off work due to stress and had also contemplated suicide.

Devon and Cornwall Police were called to Old Town Park, Bideford, where Colin was found, on Saturday morning.

He also accused the trust of covering up Colin’s death.

‘There is a lot of anger about the way the trust has put out the announcement,’ he added.

His death came as unions representing workers at the trust warned of huge staff pressures on the job and public failings – including an open letter calling for chief executive, Ken Wenman, pictured, to resign

‘People know it was a suspected suicide so staff are calling it a cover up.

‘Due to all the problems going on within the trust I made the decision to take my own life recently.

‘Luckily I spoke to the trust’s wellbeing service and they talked me around and I didn’t do it.

‘Discrimination happens against people with mental health issues in the trust, including depression.

‘I have suffered with depression in the past and the reason I am off work now is I believe there is an attempt to bully, harass and intimidate me.’

Devon and Cornwall Police were called to Old Town Park, where Colin was found, on Saturday morning.

A spokesman said: ‘Police and ambulance crews attended a central location in Bideford following a call about a concern for welfare of a member of the public.

‘Upon the arrival of police, a man was found dead at the scene. There are no suspicious circumstances and police are liaising with the coroner. Next of kin have been informed.’

Colin’s sister-in-law, who lives in the US, posted a picture of Colin on her Facebook page with the words: ‘Our hearts are broken. We will always love you Col.’

Childhood friend Jason Benbow also posted a tribute to Colin online, he said: ‘It is with great sadness that Colin Bolsom, an old friend from childhood was found dead on Saturday morning, family have been informed.

‘I had several messages from his brother Alan who is currently state side. Colin was a paramedic and lived in Bideford, North Devon. We are waiting out for funeral details.’

A spokesperson for SWASFT said: ‘The trust is not able to comment on this tragic incident, not least because there will be an inquest.’

• For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116 123, or visit a local Samaritans branch – see samaritans.org for details.