An awards ceremony to honour members of the public from across the West Midlands who have gone beyond the call of duty to help save lives and support the work of West Midlands Ambulance Service’s 5,000 staff has taken place.
The event, sponsored by Staffordshire University, J. Tomlinson, Zoll Medical, Coventry University, Cardiac Science and Defib Shop took place at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill last Thursday (March 28th), recognising the efforts of Community First Responders, St John Ambulance, other emergency services and other voluntary organisations, businesses and individuals.
Addressing the audience, West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive Anthony Marsh said: “We are incredibly proud of the high level of performance we achieve as an ambulance service, of the fact we are the only ambulance service to be rated ‘outstanding’ and of the high level of patient care we achieve day in, day out.
“That would not be possible without the help of our volunteers who do an incredible job in supporting us.
“I know how hard you all work, the amount of your time you give up – all to ensure patients receive help as soon as possible, and for that I am extremely grateful.
“This awards ceremony is a chance to say thank you and recognise those who have gone above and beyond what is expected with some truly heroic and brave acts for which you deserve great recognition. Well done to all of our award winners and everyone who has volunteered to support West Midlands Ambulance Service during the last 12 months.”
High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Cassian Roberts, who helped to present some of the awards on the evening, said: “It is always inspiring to be with people who serve and it sometimes surprises me that the majority of people who inhabit this world, do not realise exactly what you do.
“You are the glue which makes this country great. You don’t do it for the money, you do it because it is the right thing to do and would like to congratulate all of you and say thank you.”
WMAS Chairman, Sir Graham Meldrum, added: “I think a book should be published, a book that records all of the amazing things that our volunteers do. Those who have put their lives on the line, those who give up their own time day in, day out to serve the people of the West Midlands.
“It would be incredible to compile all of the fantastic stories we hear about the incredible things you do, and sit down and read it all, allowing people to fully understand just how valuable volunteers are to the ambulance service, each and every day.”
Pictured (left to right): Chief Executive Officer Anthony Marsh, life-savers Ian Lancaster and James Robinson with cardiac arrest survivor Lisa Turrell, High Sheriff of Worcestershire Cassian Roberts.
