THE paramedics who helped saved the life of a man stabbed many times despite being told his attacker was still at large have won an award.
When the Great Western Ambulance Service received a flurry of 999 calls about an assault in Manchester Road back in November, paramedic Simon Stigwood and ambulance practitioner Stephanie Wilson were tasked to attend – with a warning that the attacker was believed to still be at the scene.
Arriving just three minutes after the first 999 call, the two clinicians assessed and began treating the patient – a man in his 20s – who was losing a large amount of blood from his wounds.
In the meantime, back in the ambulance control room in Devizes, dispatcher Stephen Purnell and duty manager Katrina Dunthorn realised the seriousness of the incident and alerted SWIFT Medics doctor James Dunn, who arrived on scene four minutes after the GWAS crew.
The patient was given intravenous fluids before being taken by Simon and Stephanie to Great Western Hospital, accompanied by Dr Dunn.
This was vital, given that he went into cardiac arrest three times during the short trip, resuscitated each time by the onboard clincians.
Against the odds, and as a direct result of the prompt actions of everyone involved, the patient has survived.
Dr Dunn and the GWAS staff have now been honoured “for their exemplary actions beyond the call of duty”.
They were among more than 100 GWAS staff, members of the public and of partner organisations honoured at a prestigious evening ceremony held at The Assembly Rooms in Bath last week.
GWAS Chief Executive Martin Flaherty presented the Chief Officer’s Commendations and Awards in front of a 200-strong invited audience of recipients, guests and local dignitaries.
“What unites all the people here tonight is their desire and passion to make sure our patients receive the very best care,” said Mr Flaherty.
Chief Officer’s Commendations were presented to 87 people in recognition of the exceptional care provided directly to patients, often in difficult or even dangerous circumstances.
Recipients included highly-skilled GWAS clinicians as well as passers-by and trained first aiders.
Chief Officer’s Awards acknowledged GWAS staff in different circumstances – including mentoring or supporting colleagues, and developing new systems of working – often in their own time.
A total of 29 members of staff received Awards.
Martin Flaherty said: “It is important that staff who go above and beyond the call of duty are recognised for their dedication.
“Also, this ceremony recognises and thanks those members of the public and our partner organisations who have supported us by responding, both as individuals and groups, and contributing to excellent patient care.”
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