Ambulance staff celebrate awards

The heroic and tireless efforts of staff and volunteers to deliver outstanding patient care have been recognised at a South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s (SWASFT) awards ceremony.

The annual staff awards acknowledge those who have gone above and beyond expectations, and the dedicated service of long-standing members of staff.  The guest speaker at the awards was a young mum who brought her miracle baby along.

Around 140 SWASFT staff and volunteers, and members of the public, who played vital roles in responding to emergency situations, came together for the event at the St Mellion International Resort, Cornwall on Thursday 29 November.

SWASFT Chief Executive, Ken Wenman, said: “3,000 times a day, within the largest ambulance service in England, our people are saving lives, reducing peoples’ suffering and pain, and dealing with the social and mental health needs of our communities. I am personally thankful to them all.”

Among those staff recognised at the awards were Wiltshire based Paramedic Steven Blackmore and Richard Claridge for his 40 years’ devoted service.  Richard Claridge also was an adviser for the television programme Casualty.

SWASFT Chairman, Tony Fox, said: “We are saying a huge and much-deserved thank you to staff and volunteers for their commitment, dedication and professionalism throughout the year.  I continue to be overwhelmed by the level of care and compassion given to patients and their families often at times of great distress.”

Jennifer Bowerman from Torbay gave an emotional and heartfelt speech thanking SWASFT call handler and paramedics when they came to her rescue after suffering complications during pregnancy: “Every day you guys leave your families to help save families like ours. My miracle baby, Frederick, was only delivered as a result of the crews quick thinking, professionalism and dedication and he is a daily reminder -  every smile, giggle and cuddle.  Thank you for working Christmases and weekends and making those daily sacrifices.”

Twelve-year old Ellie Webb from Cornwall received an award for demonstrating calm, focus and maturity when she had to call 999, because her mum was experiencing breathing difficulties and chest pains. During what must have been a scary time, Ellie listened to the advice she was given over the phone by the call handler, answered the triage questions she was asked and kept a close eye on her mother’s condition until the ambulance crew arrived.

The event was the second of two awards ceremonies, the first of which was held near Bristol on Friday 16 November.