Press Release

For more information please contact: Teresa Crockett
E-mail: teresacrockett@blueyonder.co.uk Website: www.asi-international.com

Date: Tuesday 8th May 2007

The Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) held its Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday 3rd May 2007. This is the sixth time it has been hosted by Jacqui Lait MP in the prestigious and historic surroundings of the House of Commons. Over 150 guests (including sponsors, award winners, families and colleagues) gathered in the Members Dining Room to reflect and acknowledge the excellent work carried out by representatives of the Emergency Services (including Private, Public, Voluntary and Military services and organisations) and in particular, for their dedication in saving lives.

This year there were 15 Award Categories, with proceedings being conducted by Dr. Peter Griffin, Civilian Consultant to the Surgeon General, Ministry of Defence and Carl Ledbury, President of the Ambulance Service Institute. Guest speakers included Jason Killens, Assistant Director of Operations, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust & Vice Admiral R A I McLean CB OBE, former Captain of HMS Invincible and now DCDS (Health). Vice Admiral McLean was awarded honorary membership to the ASI by Carl Ledbury, which the admiral was delighted to receive.

Carl Ledbury, in his address, personally thanked Jacqui Lait MP for her continued support of the Ambulance Service Institute and paid tribute to all those gathered to honour people whose actions had been judged to be examples of the best. "Today we are gathered to honour those whose actions have drawn recognition from others and judged to be of such a high standard that those actions are to be held up as examples of the best. For a few minutes however let us also think of those others who make up the differing organisations involved in our rewarding but often thankless professions, ALL that are involved in pre-hospital care. It is they who, day after day, are delivering some of the highest quality pre-hospital care anywhere in the world. While quite rightly applauding the achievements of those gathered here today, we must not forget the work that is going on even now, the dedication and professionalism of all whose primary purpose is to care for their fellow citizens"

Dr Peter Griffin, during the proceedings announced the award winners and read out the individual citations, which upon listening presented mixed emotions amongst the audience, and brought back many memories to those in the front line. Whilst it is not possible to present all the reasons why individuals and teams were presented with awards, examples include "The Paramedic of the Year Award", awarded to Sgt Rachel McDonald, State Registered Paramedic, Royal Air Force, who was presented this award for her calm and assured professional response to the mass casualty situation she faced and her actions in the face of hostile file, during her time working as part of a medical reaction team based in Afghanistan.

The 'ASI Voluntary Ambulance Service Award' was presented to Volunteer Ambulance team, St John Ambulance Hampshire for their involvement in rescuing an eleven-year-old boy Christopher Stewart whose head was internally decapitated, when his mini he was driving crashed into the barriers during a grass track race at Tongham Motor Club in Hampshire. The Hampshire team Richard Colman, Steven Fish, Elaine Dowling, Keith Patching, Rebecca Pither-Townley and Zoe Jones, played a fundamental role in saving Christopher's life, and if it wasn't for their actions, along with the tremendous work of the surgeons involved, then Christopher would not be in the situation he is in today, leading a full and active life.

Appreciation must be given to the kind assistance given by the London Ambulance Service Ceremonial Squad, who in full uniform, presented each sponsor and award winner/s to Jacqui Lait MP, who formally presented the individual and team awards. Thanks must be given to the individual award sponsors for their support, without which, the awards would not be able to continue. Congratulations to the Award Winners for their hard work and dedication to saving lives.

Further information on the ASI awards can be found on the ASI website www.asi-international.com
Or contact Teresa Crockett.
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Last updated 08-Oct-2007 16:15 D Parish