LIFESAVERS from Swindon have been honoured by the Ambulance service.

Three men from Swindon were among the 100 people celebrated at the Great Western Ambulance Service Chief Officer’s Awards ceremony held in Bath.

Ambulance practitioner Andrew Tobutt and clinical team leader Ron Scholfield were received awards for their actions after they rescued a woman from a house filled with poisonous gas in December last year.

On arrival at the house in Freshbrook they found all doors and windows locked.

Andrew, realising that time was critical, broke into the house and he and Ron were able to drag the woman to safety.

Ron then re-entered the house to check there was no one else there, before switching off the generator emitting the gas and opening all doors and windows.

Joining the duo was Swindon Scout leader Adrian Sawyer who saved the life of a man he found unconscious and having a fit in Regent Street.

Adrian, 19, from West Swindon, is first-aid trained and had his kit with him as he was on his way to a scout meeting at the time.

He knew the importance of protecting the man’s airway and making sure he didn’t inhale any vomit.

Adrian, who is planning to study paramedic science at university, continued to look after the patient until ambulance staff arrived and the patient was taken to hospital for further treatment.

GWAS chief executive David Whiting said: “The ambulance service is built on excellent teamwork to ensure our patients receive the best care we can provide.

“But it is also important that we recognise those occasions when individuals – our staff and those from outside the service – have gone that extra mile and made a real difference to the care we can provide.

“All the people we have honoured at this event have demonstrated that commitment.

“I am very proud of everyone who has received an award and it is essential that we are able to pay tribute to their achievements.”

The awards were handed out in front of an invited audience of over 200 guests, trust personnel and their families. Recipients of Chief Officer’s Commendations are honoured for their actions in specific incidents, often in extremely difficult or dangerous situations.