I am absolutely thrilled to have received the news that our Team, Eastbourne Area Community First Responders have been awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Services. The MBE for volunteer groups.

This is a remarkable achievement to be recognised in this way.

Having been made aware that we were being nominated for the KAVS nearly a year ago and then shortlisted in the summer I have had time to reflect on the difference that Eastbourne Responders have made to our community over the years.

Since its inception some 16 years ago our team has grown and formed a group of unique individuals who are prepared to go to incidents on their own and assess, treat patient's then work with Paramedic's, often remaining on scene to assist the crews.

They are able to help the often distressed relative when crews have left with the patient offering comfort and a listening ear in their time of distress.

As the team has grown many team members have gone on to have a career with Secamb either in the Emergency Call centre or have trained as Paramedics.

We have provided many sessions of training to the community teaching CPR and the use of AED training from school children to adults. Helping the community to help themselves.

At the annual 999 weekend on Eastbourne Seafront, we teach CPR to upwards of 1600 people each year. We have had feedback from the community that the training we gave them has helped them either with patients who are either choking, unconscious or in cardiac arrest.

I am very proud and humbled to know that the Team have made a real difference to the people and families in our community some of whom might not have seen another Christmas together.

I cannot express enough; how very proud I am to be part of Eastbourne Responders and that we have been awarded the KAVS.

To be their Team Leader is an Honour and privilege.

Eastbourne Area Community First Responders form part of a network off over 400 CFRs across East and West Sussex, Surrey and Kent. Whilst it is an honour to be nominated by supporters and patients in our community, I would also accept this award on behalf of all CFRs in the South East Coast Ambulance Service area.