THREE locals have been celebrated by West Midlands Ambulance Service for their contributions after receiving accolades in the health services recent Excellence Awards.
Rin Passmore, a frontline paramedic and clinical team mentor based at Bromsgrove Hub received the Health and Wellbeing Award for designing and leading a groundbreaking study assessing the cardiovascular health of West Midlands Ambulance Service staff.
Kian Winward and Billy Steele, from a patient transport service in Frankley, were bestowed with a Chief Officer’s Commendation for their professionalism and courage when helping a man in distress who had ventured over the railings on the Aston Expressway.
The pair were were on their way to a hospital discharge when they noticed the man on the wrong side of the railings in Birmingham.
It quickly became clear he was in a state of distress and his position became more vulnerable as he was only holding on with one hand.
Having already requested police support and fearing for the individual’s safety, they made the decision to try and get to the man on the top of the bridge.
The man remained panicked as Billy made his way to the top, but as soon as Billy was close, he asked for help in getting him back to the right side of the railings.
Afterwards the man became violent and aggressive and attempted to climb to the wrong side of the railings again.
Kian went to support Billy and they managed to restrain the man until police could arrive.
The local trio were given their awards during The Staff Long Service & Excellence Awards and Excellence in the Community Awards at The Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill.
Over 700 guests were present for the awards ceremony including the Vice-Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Louise Bennett OBE, and the High Sheriff of the County of Warwickshire, Mrs Rajvinder Kaur Gill.
In total, 57 members of staff were recognised for having given 20 years of service to WMAS, 17 staff were commended for 25 years’ service, 18 received certificates for 30 years’ service, nine 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 Student Paramedic of the Year, Mentor Awards, Apprenticeship Awards, Community Initiative and Partnership Awards, St John Ambulance Awards; Community First Responder (CFR) Long Service Awards and CFR of the Year.
Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “We have incredibly dedicated members of staff and volunteers who continue to provide excellent patient care every single day.
“That is why events such as our awards are important.
“I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone for the professionalism and dedication they continue to show, to help people in their hour of need.”
