Awards given to ambulance volunteers to mark 20 years service to NW communities

Volunteers from across the region came together to celebrate 20 years of outstanding service to the public by the ambulance service. 

The event was held at a hotel in Kendal to thank community first responders (CFRs) and the important role they play within their local communities. 

In life-threating situations, it is those selfless individuals, whose “actions make all the difference” according to Matt Hancock, secretary of state for health and social care.

In some rural communities, an ambulance can take up to 20 minutes to arrive, and without the help of CFRs vital time can be lost.

Though the responders do not require any medical background or experience they are trained in life-saving interventions such as cardiac arrest.

During the evening, awards were handed out to volunteers who were recognised as “remarkable responders”. They were presented with their awards by ITV’s Granada Paul Crone. 

Mother-of-two and trainee nurse Amanda Walsh received a gold ‘remarkable responder’ award for her work in promoting basic life support in Bolton.

Another gold winner, Peter Knapton, was identified playing an instrumental part in the creating the CFRs team in Sedbergh and surrounding area.

Regional community engagement manager, Andrew Redgrave, said: “Over the past 20 years, our CFRs have undoubtably saved countless lives and the role has evolved and grown significantly during this time.”