Members of the public, a volunteer Community First Responder, a police officer and an off-duty paramedic have been recognised for their actions at the annual ambulance awards.
The Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey, His Excellency Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell presented four commendation awards to people who stepped forward to help others in their time of need.
Sark Community First Responder Amie Perree was recognised for her part in saving the life of a casualty who suffered a cardiac arrest on Little Sark, a remote part of the island of Sark. Amie performed CPR for 20 minutes and used an AED before the Sark ambulance arrived on scene. The patient was later transferred to Guernsey on the Flying Christine marine ambulance and has made a good recovery.
Schoolgirls Lillia Bolger and Juliette Broad were recognised for rescuing a swimmer who got into difficulties in the sea off Guernsey. The pair kept the casualty afloat until more help arrived and before the arrival of the emergency services.
PC James De La Mare received the award for exceptional conduct when he acted beyond the call of duty to rescue a member of the public from the sea in challenging circumstances. The courage to wade through deep water, the physical effort to carry the patient to the shore and profound commitment in an attempt to save a life, despite the risk to his own safety, was commendable.
Paramedic Laura Goodall received the award for saving a life of while off duty. Laura was alerted to someone who had collapsed nearby. She recognised they were in cardiac arrest and immediately began CPR. The ambulance crew then performed advanced life support and the person regained consciousness before arriving at hospital.
Ambulance and Rescue CEO Mark Mapp said “Today was an opportunity to recognise staff, volunteers and members of the public who stepped forward in a time of need and attempted to save a life. The Recognition of Performance is awarded to people who make a difference in our community and reflect our values of caring, compassion and excellence.”
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Flying Christine III we’ve made a special video showcasing the work of the marine ambulance service. The Flying Christine III is a charitable asset built thanks to public funding. This service continues today through a combination of donations, charges and subscriptions. The first showing of video was at our anniversary event at the Guernsey Yacht Club 30 years to the day since the vessel was launched. Thanks to Element Films for producing the video.
The award which is voted for by the public can be for a group or individuals who deserve special recognition for their actions, dedication, or tireless high standards to help save lives and keep the islands safe.
Collecting the award on behalf of Ambulance and Rescue Nicky Strong said it was for all parts of the service including the frontline emergency crews, the patient transfer service, volunteer Flying Christine crew, Community First Responders and the support staff at the Rohais.
The award was presented by Dr Steve Evans, chair of the Medical Specialist Group, sponsors of the category, at an event organised by the Guernsey Press.
‘Ambulance and Rescue’ Chief Executive Officer Mark Mapp said: I’m beyond proud that our incredible ambulance team has won the Guernsey Press Emergency Hero of the Year Award! This award recognises their dedication, professionalism, and the unwavering commitment they show every day. Thank you to everyone who supported and nominated Ambulance and Rescue. This is a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of the hard work and compassion our team delivers in even the most challenging moments, and a testament to the public’s appreciation and faith in our Ambulance Service.
The volunteer crew of the Flying Christine marine ambulance and the island’s Community First Responders were also nominated for the 2024 award.
Licence to Kill is a tri-service initiative produced by Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service, Guernsey Police and Guernsey’s Ambulance and Rescue Service, which shows students the devastating consequences of speeding, drinking alcohol, not wearing a seatbelt and using mobile phones while driving, known as the fatal four.
The sessions are being shown to students in Year 11, who will soon be behind the wheel, and it features footage of local crashes as well as interviews with victims and their families.
Ambulance and Rescue Paramedic Officer Steve Torode said: “Sadly we have seen the fatal consequences of road traffic incidents on our roads in Guernsey. The consequences of taking risk behind the wheel can be devastating both physically and mentally, and do not just affect those directly involved, but also families, friends and the wider community. We hope that the messages of Licence to Kill – Don’t speed, don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs, don’t use a mobile phone or text while driving and wear a seatbelt, will help keep our roads safe, not just for the next generation of driver, but all road users.”
Roads Policing Unit officer Mat Du Port said: “Driving is an activity most of us do every day, but if we don’t do it safely, it can also become one of the most dangerous activities we do. It is important that new drivers learn to understand the responsibility of getting behind the wheel, and also understand what it is they can do to keep themselves safe. Not using a mobile phone, wearing your seatbelt, not drink or drug driving, driving with care and sticking to the speed limit – these are the fatal four, and statistically are the reason for most life-ending collisions, and the most accidents. If every driver drives takes this advice, our roads will be a lot safer. Licence to Kill is a reminder to students that just because they’ve passed their driving test, they aren’t suddenly able to drive at speed, or when drunk or under the influence of drugs. It is a licence to drive – not a licence to kill.”
Fire & Rescue Service Crew Commander Gavin Robins said: “Licence to Kill is designed to be hard-hitting to ensure that new drivers understand the consequences of dangerous driving, and go onto the roads with the right attitude. If we can highlight just how dangerous the fatal four are, then we can make our roads safer. Driving is an amazing freedom for these young people, but it is also a big responsibility, because it can put them at risk and other road users at risk. The Emergency Services deal with crashes all year round, all of different seriousness, but it does not take much for an RTC to completely change, or ruin, a life. We want to avoid these incidents from happening, and so it is vital every driver understands the risks, and drives safely. Don’t drink and drive, don’t speed, don’t use your mobile phone, and wear your seatbelt. These four things make such a huge difference to the safety of driving.” 
Knowing how to do CPR and use an AED can save a life. Wednesday 16th October is World Restart a Heart Day, an annual initiative led by Resuscitation Council UK which aims to increase the number of people surviving out-of hospital cardiac arrests.
Restart a Heart (RSAH) is run in partnership with ambulance services, health charities and an alliance of partners all over the world, improving public awareness of cardiac arrests and increasing the number of people trained in life-saving CPR and defibrillation awareness.
Guernsey’s ambulance service is once again supporting RSAH, this year working with the lifeguards at Beau Sejour delivering CPR and AED demonstrations and training for the public.
John Atkins, Head of Resilience and Education at St John Ambulance and Rescue Service said: “We are really pleased the team at Beau Sejour are getting hands on and supporting Restart A Heart Day. We are delighted to support them in their training sessions and demonstrations in the foyer area of the leisure centre. Anyone can be affected by a sudden cardiac arrest at any time, without immediate action, the person will die. Recognising when someone is in cardiac arrest, calling 999 and doing CPR are simple but vital skills that might save a life. Being Resus Ready will ensure that in the ultimate medical emergency you can help save a life at home, at work, or in public.”
Restart a Heart Day serves as a powerful reminder that every member of our community has the potential to become a lifesaver. 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home. Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 10%.
CPR is a simple skill and AEDs are easy to use, however research suggests 37% of people said they wouldn’t feel very confident they could help someone having a cardiac arrest, while 24% said they wouldn’t be at all confident. Only 11% of people surveyed said they felt totally confident about using a defibrillator correctly
Sam Herridge, Head of Recreation Service at Beau Sejour said: “We are really proud to be hosting this important event in partnership with the ambulance service. Using CPR and defibrillation on a person in cardiac arrest has the potential to double their chance of survival. All of our Lifeguard trained staff are qualified in this through their Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS) UK National Pool Lifeguard qualification – and their offering of free CPR and AED training on the day, alongside our RLSS Trainer Assessors presents a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of bystander CPR and defibrillation in saving lives.”
John added “If you are unable to get to Beau Sejour on 16th there are lots of other opportunities to learn these life-saving skills in Guernsey. The St John Guernsey charity provides first aid training in schools and to the wider community with courses at Les Cotils, and the Cardiac Action Group has been offering awareness sessions for the past few years.”
This means at times there will be additional movements of contractor’s vehicles and deliveries of materials, with parking for visitors occasionally reduced on site.
Traffic movements related to the building work will not impact on access for emergency vehicles leaving or returning to the Ambulance Station.
The building work is scheduled to continue until the end of 2025.
The St John Guernsey training hall, which is used for private functions, meetings, Badgers and Cadets remains open. Access to the St John Community Library, which is open every Tuesday afternoon, is being maintained, with parking spaces reserved for users.
As strategic lead for Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response, John is responsible for risk management and business continuity, as well as overseeing clinical education for the service.
John has a long history with the ambulance service in Guernsey, having trained as a paramedic and holding a number of training and leadership roles, before joining the senior team. He was previously Head of Operations and Acting Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer before relocating to the UK.
During his time in England John was Medical Services Manager and Lead Paramedic at Silverstone motor racing circuit, fulfilling the role of Tactical Medical Commander for all major events at the venue including the Formula 1® British Grand Prix, and served on Motorsport UK’s national Medical Committee. He also worked part-time as an operational paramedic with East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust. On returning to Guernsey John was appointed as Assistant Training Manager at States of Guernsey Health and Social Care. He also worked part-time as an operational paramedic with the ambulance service.
John’s connections with St John can be traced back to his teenage years, having joined the organisation as a youth member at the age of 15. He later became a youth leader and then progressed to the position of Divisional Superintendent with the charity.
John said: I am delighted to have re-joined Guernsey’s ambulance service and to be heading up emergency planning and education for the organisation. My time away from the service – both locally at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital and with the NHS and at Silverstone in the UK – has been hugely valuable and has broadened my perspectives and I return to my roots all the stronger for it.
John is a member of several professional bodies including the College of Paramedics, the Resuscitation Council, Chartered Management Institute and the Emergency Planning Society.
In his spare time John is a volunteer Community First Responder, part of the Channel Islands Air Search crew, a Douzenier (parish official) for Torteval and a member of the Clinical Governance Committee for Les Bourgs Hospice.
Representatives from Ambulance and Rescue Guernsey joined colleagues from Bailiwick Law Enforcement, Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service, the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre (JESCC), Guernsey Coastguard, Airport Fire Service, Guernsey Civil Protection, RNLI Lifeboat and Channel Islands Air Search for the event St Peter Port Harbour.
The Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell, said: “Our emergency services play a vital role in keeping our islands safe, including valuable preventative work to protect us in our own homes. Remarkable people
stand ready at all times to support our community, sometimes at great cost to themselves, and we are better for their unstinting service. Today is an opportunity think about what that means, both for them and their families, and to thank them all
for the indispensable work that they do.”
Guernsey’s Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Mapp said: “999 Day has become a significant day in the calendar which focuses our thoughts on the dedication of all of the emergency services across the Bailiwick and across the UK. It is an opportunity to reflect, and to thank our blue light responders and the volunteers who support us, for the work they do all year round. As Chief Ambulance Officer, I would like to publicly express my thanks to our ambulance crews for their care and compassion in saving the lives. I would also like to acknowledge our support staff, the volunteer Community First Responders, Flying Christine crew and all the other St John volunteers for their valuable service to the Bailiwick.”
9th September is designated as national Emergency Services Day (or 999 day) and is supported by HM The King and the UK Prime Minister. It provides an opportunity to highlight the work of blue light and the other emergency services, the role they play in our island community, and promote career and volunteer opportunities within this challenging but rewarding line of work.
Guernsey Police Chief Officer Ruari Hardy said: “Guernsey’s emergency services are one of the cornerstones of the community we all live in. Each person who commits to a career in one of the blue light services, or one of the services which support them, does so to protect Guernsey and keep it a safe and secure place to live. These roles are hugely rewarding, but also incredibly challenging, and sometimes demand sacrifices. National 999 day is a chance for us to all to take a moment and reflect on the hard work our emergency service workers do, and what they may have given up to help others. Without the teams across police, fire, ambulance, coastguard, civil protection, and the other services, Guernsey would not be the place it is. Guernsey should be proud of their continued efforts.”
Guernsey Harbour Master and Head of Guernsey Coastguard Jerome Davis said: “Our colleagues across Guernsey’s emergency services work extremely hard to keep our community safe and secure. 999 Day is an opportunity to celebrate their efforts and recognise their dedication. Were it not for the incredible bravery, skill and dedication of the emergency services which serve our islands, many of the incidents that we respond to would have very different outcomes. 2024 has been another busy year for our highly-trained Coastguard operators and the many outstanding volunteers who crew our RNLI lifeboats, Channel Islands Air Search aircraft and the Flying Christine marine ambulance. The work they do alongside our land-based emergency services is essential to our efforts to save lives at sea.”
Guernsey’s Chief Fire Officer Jon Le Page said: “It is easy to sing the praises of all of our colleagues in the Emergency Services, however it is also easy to forget that day-in day-out, collectively, we are there to support the community in their times of need. Whether it be an RTC, a fire, a crime, an issue at sea, a heart attack, a missing person, or one of a huge number of other potential incidents; as a group, Guernsey’s emergency services are always prepared to put themselves in harm’s way to help others. For that, I’d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone for their hard work, and I’d encourage others to join us in the moment of silence on Saturday to show our respect.”
Mark Mapp said the event was considered a resounding success with robust attendance from various stakeholders
The Islands Ambulance Service Forum, a significant platform for collaboration and learning which is by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE). The group convenes virtually throughout the year and come together for an annual face-to-face meeting. The forum is made up of the heads of ambulance services in Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight and Gibraltar.
Mark Mapp said: “It is crucial to discuss shared challenges, potential opportunities, and pressing issues across the islands’ ambulance services. Despite each island having unique characteristics, the forum underscores the commonalities and challenges, fostering collaborative discussions and collective strategic thinking.”
During the two days the group visited the smaller Isle of Sark, home to a purely volunteer based ambulance service, which operates a tractor-drawn ambulance trailer. The visit highlighted the challenges faced in smaller and more remote communities. Attendees also experienced a tour of the Guernsey Marine Ambulance launch “Flying Christine III”, showing the diverse nature of emergency medical services across the islands of the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
During the event, Suzanne Rastrick OBE, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for England, provided an insightful update on critical topics, including the Allied Health Professions (AHPs) Strategy for England, paramedic education, regulation, career development, the prevention of suicide in the ambulance service, and a culture review of English Ambulance Services.
Hilary Pillin, UEC Strategy Advisor, played a pivotal role in the event by delivering presentations on a number of crucial topics. These included AACE’s submission to the Darzi Review, national structures, the culture review, improving sexual safety, and leadership development within the ambulance services.
Tom Davidson, Associate Professor of Paramedicine from the University of Cumbria, shared the latest developments in paramedic education. As the island communities have many paramedics who have undertaken their academic studies with the University of Cumbria, one of the main discussion points revolved around achieving a standardised approach to ambulance service education.
Mark Mapp added: “This annual face-to-face meeting was essential in reinforcing the collaborative spirit across the islands. Attendees left the forum equipped with new insights, strategies, and a renewed commitment to addressing the unique and shared challenges faced by ambulance services across the British islands.”
This follows an original donation of fifty teddies donated in 2023 and this year the Lions Club is making a donation of one hundred teddies.
The teddy bears, wearing traditional blue Guernseys which are embroidered with the Lions Club logo and individually wrapped for hygiene purposes, will be kept on the ambulances for clinicians to give to young children who need extra comfort or distractions following an illness or injury. Young patients will be able to keep the bears and take them home after they leave the care of the ambulance service.
The idea came from former Guernsey Lion Sheila Cunningham who had seen an article in the national Lions magazine where some Lion clubs in the UK had completed a similar project.
Paul Allaway, Youth Chair of the Lions Club of Guernsey said “We are pleased to be able to continue to support this community initiative and we hope that the teddies will not be used very often but when they are we trust that it will bring some comfort to the affected child in addition to the care provided by the clinicians from Ambulance and Rescue team.”
Sonia Guille, Paramedic Station Officer added: “We are really grateful to the Lions Club for their continued support and we’re delighted they’ve decided to donate another hundred teddy bears. The feedback from ambulance crews to the original initiative has been very positive. When a child is unwell or has hurt themselves, we do all we can to reassure them and put them at ease. We’ve seen the difference the Guernsey bears have made to children, by giving them a distraction or providing comfort. This all helps reduce anxiety and can make the child’s treatment and experience much less stressful.”
Similar charity teddy bear schemes have operated in children’s hospitals and ambulance services in other countries and have proved popular and successful.
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