Trust paramedic given national award

Paul Gibson

One of our very own paramedics has gained national recognition with an award for ‘going beyond the call of duty’ at a ceremony which celebrates people working in the pre-hospital care sector.

Paul Gibson, who works from Ipswich station, won the Paramedic/Emergency Care Practitioner accolade at Thursday’s (8th May) Ambulance Service Institute (ASI) Awards for his actions during a flat fire in the town on 19th December.

Emergency services were called as a blaze had engulfed the property and Paul was the first 999 clinician on scene, initially being told there was no-one in the flat. But he soon realised that a woman was trapped inside the burning building and decided to go in to help her.

Speaking after the incident, Paul said: “It was pitch black inside because of all the heavy smoke but I could tell the woman wasn’t far away. I managed to pick her up and get her back out of the flat, again through the window. Her breathing deteriorated so I immediately started giving her respiratory support. The fire service then arrived and helped me carry the woman to the waiting ambulance where she was rushed to Ipswich Hospital in a serious condition.”

Judges of the awards heard that Paul went beyond the call of duty and his actions saved this woman’s life. He added: “Entering a burning building isn’t a natural thing to do, but I don’t know how I could have lived with myself had I not done so and the woman had died. I just did what anyone else would have done.”

Paul, who has worked in the ambulance service for seven years, was unable to attend the ceremony but the award was collected on his behalf by Belinda Jackson who was his crew-mate on the day. Trust CEO Dr Anthony Marsh and Suffolk General Manager Teresa Church were also guests at the ceremony. Dr Marsh said: “Our staff do a fantastic job day-in, day-out and for Paul to win an award for going above and beyond what we expect is a really proud moment for the Trust and of course for me as Chief Officer as well. I know we are all rightly proud of him and the courageous actions that he took that night.”

Teresa said: “I’m very proud of Paul for winning this award, and although he wasn’t able to attend to accept it, to be here representing him and the Trust meant a great deal to me personally.”

Paul will receive his award from Dr Marsh in the near future when he returns from leave. Well done Paul!

 

Published 15th May 2014 

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