Tributes are being paid to a leading educator in pre-hospital care and founder of Ireland’s first paramedic degree course, Mr Mark Dixon.
Formerly of Blyth, Northumberland in the U.K., Mark passed away unexpectedly at his home in Ennis, on Friday, October 17th, 2025.
Mark was the first in-service Training Officer with the National Ambulance Service in the Mid-West and established Ireland’s first paramedic degree course at the University of Limerick.
He was senior lecturer and course director of the Paramedic Studies course at the Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS) at UL.
He was also heavily involved in a joint effort between UL Hospitals Group (ULHG) and the University of Limerick (UL) to establish a pre-hospital emergency care training programme in the remote Upper West region of the African nation of Ghana.
He also facilitated and partook multi-disciplinary trips to Saudi Arabia and India, where it’s said, “his extensive knowledge and skill touched the lives of his students, colleagues and patients alike.”
Mr Dixon is being remembered across social media platforms by many who worked with him or were trained by him as well as statutory and voluntary emergency services; search and rescue agencies and community groups.
Clare Civil Defence
“Mark was a respected educator, dedicated professional, and a guiding figure in the development of emergency medicine in Ireland.
As the head lecturer in Paramedic Studies at the University of Limerick (UL), Mark was a passionate advocate for high standards in pre-hospital care and played a leading role in shaping the education of future paramedics. His dedication to teaching, mentoring, and advancing paramedicine has left a profound and lasting legacy.
Mark also gave his time and expertise to Clare Civil Defence when his schedule allowed, always willing to lend support where he could. His presence and knowledge were greatly valued, and his willingness to help spoke volumes about his character and commitment to public service.
Mark was not only a leader in his field but also a kind and generous person who inspired those around him. His influence on the profession, his students, and his colleagues will be felt for many years to come.”
Rescue 115 (Irish Coast Guard)
“It was with great sadness that we learned of the sudden passing of a good friend of all here at R115, Mark Dixon.
Mark was a visionary and pioneer of pre-hospital care and education in Ireland and always willing to help and guide our paramedic winchcrew at Rescue 115.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mark’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His contributions to emergency medicine in Ireland will never be forgotten.”
UL Paramedic Studies
“Mark championed excellence in paramedic education, and thanks to his vision, dedication, leadership, and passion for pre-hospital education, UL Paramedic Studies became the trailblazers of undergraduate paramedicine in Ireland.
One of his proudest moments was the graduation of the first ever degree qualified paramedics in 2016, a landmark moment for both UL and paramedic education in Ireland.
Under his guidance, the impact of UL’s paramedic programme was felt not just locally, and nationally, but internationally.
“He didn’t just build a curriculum — he built a legacy,” the post added.
Limerick Fire and Rescue Service
“Over the years, Mark worked alongside us in Limerick Fire & Rescue Service 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.
Through our involvement in the Paramedic Studies Programme at UL, 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 prehospital 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.”
St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield GAA
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mark Dixon, beloved father of our own Katie, the heartbeat and proud mascot of Doora Barefield LGFA.
Our thoughts, love, and deepest sympathies are with Katie and all the Dixon family at this heartbreaking time.”
Mark will be sadly missed by his devoted wife Margaret, loving daughters Sarah, Katie and Róisín, his mother Hazel, brother Stevie, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, friends and his furry friend Bella.
Funeral Arrangements for the late Mark Dixon
“RIP Mark his dedication & belief in developing Paramedics in Ireland was inspiring & many of us have passed through the doors of UL because of him, condolences to all his family, friend’s & colleagues”
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“Ah, so sorry to hear this, Mark was an absolute gentleman and a great leader and teacher. Sincere condolences to his whole family, May Mark RIP. (Class 2017 – 2019)”
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“So sad to hear the news. Nearly 30 years ago Mark was so kind in givng me great advise and guidance on the role of first responders in the fire service. There is no doubt his expertise, knowledge and generosity has impacted so many lives. RIP. Condolences to his family and friends.”
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“Very sad news. I sat a course with Mark many years ago and I still remember vividly his positive manner and willingness to help guide us all to be better medics. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”
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“My sympathies to Mark’s family and friends, trained as a BLS instructor with him , I will never forget his passion for Resus training and his expertise in the field, I have trained thousands of people since I met Mark.”