Chief Officer Commendation Awards

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.”