A LIFE-SAVING volunteer who is on hand in Solihull at all hours has been handed a top award.
Terry Flower, a FastAid Solihull Community First Responder (CFR) was given the CFR Chief Officer Commendation at the West Midlands Ambulance Service’s (WMAS) annual awards.
He has been described as being one of the ‘one of the most dedicated volunteers the Trust can call on’.
Terry said: “It’s a privilege to be part of a team equipped and trained to respond to people in urgent need of help.”
During the last 10 years, he has attended an 3,570 calls and booked himself on duty for more than 12,000 hours.
And during that time he has been sent to many incidents including last October when he attended two cardiac arrests in the space of three days, and on both occasions successfully managed to restart the patient’s heart.
WMAS Trust chief executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “In the aftermath of the pandemic, the continuing cost of living crisis and everything else that is presenting us all with challenges at the moment, it is fantastic to have the opportunity to celebrate some of the incredible achievements of our staff, volunteers and members of the public.
“We are extremely lucky to have such a professional workforce and team of volunteers who have a desire to always do their very best for the patient.
“There were so many stories of people going above and beyond, in all sorts of situations, and to everyone who was recognised at these fantastic events, I would like to say a big well done, and thank you.”
This year, 56 members of staff were recognised for having given 20 years of service to WMAS, 15 staff were commended for 25 years’ service, 14 received certificates for 30 years’ service, three members of staff were honoured for 35 years in the Trust whilst two celebrated the incredible landmark of 40 years of service.
Other awards to be handed out included Chief Officer Commendations, Student Paramedic of the Year, Mentor Awards, Apprenticeship Awards, Community Initiative and Partnership Awards; St John Ambulance Awards; CFR Long Service Awards and the CFR of the Year.
