A BRAVE Evesham paramedic was among those honoured with the Chief Officer’s Commendation at West Midlands Ambulance Service’s Long Service and Excellence Awards (WMAS).
More than 100 awards were handed out when WMAS staff, volunteers and members of the public attended the ceremony Dudley for their outstanding actions in helping others and saving lives.
Paramedic Claire Main was called to a cardiac arrest in April 2016 with no further details known.
On arrival at the property, Claire walked through the open front door to be confronted by a man standing at the top of the stairs holding a large knife.
The brave paramedic calmly told the man to put the knife down and step aside before walking past him.
Claire discovered the person who had called the ambulance and a woman who had passed away. She then got herself and the caller out of the property and to safety.
The trust’s annual awards ceremony took place at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierely Hill on March 30 and saw a range of awards handed out including the Queen’s Long Service Medal and Chief Officer Commendations.
This year, 12 operational members of staff became eligible for their 20 year Long Service and Good Conduct Medal which were presented by the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE.
In addition, 12 staff were commended for 25 years service; ten received certificates for 30 years service; one member of staff was honoured for 35 years in the Trust; whilst a further three were commended their 40 years service.
Trust Chief Executive Anthony Marsh, said: “There is only one ambulance service that has achieved an outstanding rating from the CQC and that is our ambulance service.
“That is down to the hard work of every member of staff who shows incredible dedication to providing the very highest level of patient care, something for which I am truly grateful,” he added.
Lord Lieutenant, John Crabtree OBE, added: “We are hugely fortunate in having such a high quality ambulance service in the West Midlands.
“I know how important the things are that lead to that, the training, the leadership, the teamwork and the ability to work together to put other people first.
“I offer a sincere thank you to all of you for the fantastic job that you do day in, day out and I know that your family and friends are hugely proud of you – thank you very much,” he added.
