There are moments in life when art transcends its medium, capturing not just a single scene but an entire mood, a shared struggle, and a collective history. My dad, Ian Fossett, painted one such masterpiece in 1995. He called it "Aftermath," and to this day, it stands as a powerful and haunting testament to the realities faced by frontline ambulance staff. For me, however, it is so much more than a painting. It’s a connection to my father, to his unwavering integrity and principles, and to the shared challenges that define our lives in pre-hospital care.

The Inspiration Behind “Aftermath”

In 1995, Ian Fossett painted "Aftermath" during a particularly tumultuous period for ambulance crews in London. The backdrop to this work included the aftermath of the industrial dispute, ongoing frustrations with inadequate systems like LACAD (a computer-assisted dispatch system that failed catastrophically), and the ever-increasing pressures of the job. These cumulative stresses shaped the landscape of ambulance work at the time.

The painting depicts a lone ambulance worker, dressed in the green boiler suit uniform that was standard at the time. He’s sitting on an orange ambulance response box, head bowed, shoulders slumped, a lit cigarette in his hand. The dark background amplifies the sombre tone, leaving the viewer to contemplate the physical and emotional toll on this figure. Exhaustion and despondency radiate from the scene – it’s not clear whether the weight he carries stems from a particularly traumatic incident or the relentless grind of cumulative pressures.

For my dad, the inspiration for the pose came from a photograph of my stepmum, Caroline, taken for a GMB newspaper article about the London Ambulance Service. She was caught in a moment of quiet amidst the chaos, sitting on a bench outside Homerton Hospital. That image became the foundation for a piece of art that resonates deeply with those who have served in emergency services.

A Dedication to Whipps Cross and Beyond

Dad spent 33 years as an EMT in the London Ambulance Service, much of it based at Whipps Cross Ambulance Station. Those years were full of camaraderie, resilience, and shared hardship. The painting was dedicated to his friends and colleagues, with the words on the back summing up the collective mood:

At the time, the workforce was grappling with eroded pay and conditions, even after the gains promised by the industrial dispute. It was a period when frontline workers felt increasingly unheard and undervalued. The painting became a reflection of this reality, a snapshot of the collective struggle and frustration that defined the era.

My Father: The Man Behind the Art

Growing up, my dad was my hero. Ian Fossett is a man of integrity and principle, someone who always knew what to do and never wavered in his commitment to doing what was right. Watching him navigate the challenges of life as an EMT while maintaining his passion for art and storytelling was a profound inspiration for me.

In 2018, I followed in his footsteps, joining the London Ambulance Service as an EMT before moving to the East of England Ambulance Service. It was through my own experiences in the field that I began to understand the depth of my dad’s work and the emotional resonance of "Aftermath." His painting captures not just the physical exhaustion but also the quiet resolve and unspoken solidarity that bind those in pre-hospital care.

The Meaning of “Aftermath”

The beauty of "Aftermath" lies in its ambiguity. As my dad says, "The picture means different things to different people, and perhaps that’s how it should be." To some, it represents the aftermath of a particularly harrowing shift. To others, it’s a portrait of the cumulative burden of long hours, relentless calls, and an unforgiving system. For me, it’s a reminder of the resilience and humanity of those who serve.

One detail that stands out is the inclusion of the I&I box – a piece of equipment that symbolised extended skills and voluntary dedication at the time. Today, many ambulance staff wouldn’t recognise it, a reflection of how much has changed in the profession. Yet the essence of the painting remains timeless, a testament to the sacrifices made by ambulance crews then and now.

A Legacy Worth Sharing

My dad’s talent for capturing the emotional core of a moment extends beyond his painting. It’s in the stories he tells, the lessons he’s passed down, and the legacy he’s created. Through "Aftermath," he has given the world a glimpse into the soul of emergency medical work, a glimpse that resonates as much today as it did in 1995.

Now, prints of "Aftermath" are available for purchase. Each unframed print costs £20.00 + VAT, with postage available at an additional cost. It’s an opportunity to own a piece of history, to support an artist who has lived the reality he depicts, and to honour the dedication of ambulance crews everywhere.

If you’re interested in purchasing a print or learning more about the story behind the painting, you can contact Ian Fossett directly (if you know him) Or you can purchase a print from here (All the money goes to Dad BTW!). It’s a chance to bring home not just a piece of art but a piece of a story that has touched so many lives.

In Conclusion

“Aftermath” is more than just a painting. It’s a connection to the past, a tribute to the present, and a reminder of the resilience that defines those who serve in emergency care. For me, it’s also a personal connection to my dad, to his strength, his creativity, and his enduring legacy.

Thank you, Dad, for inspiring me and so many others. Your art, like your life, is a testament to the power of integrity, resilience, and compassion.