Ambulance bravery award unveiled

The medal is the first bravery award for ambulance workers

A new medal for bravery for ambulance workers is being introduced to mark the 70th anniversary of the service.

Health Minister Andy Burnham will unveil the Queen's Ambulance Service Medal for acts beyond the call of duty.

Paramedics who came to the aid of victims of the 7 July London bombings would have a strong case for receiving the award, officials have said.

Mr Burnham said the honour would rightly ensure that the 999 workers' "heroic contributions are recognised".

'Remarkable contribution'

"Day in, day out, our ambulance staff dedicate themselves to saving lives and supporting people when they are at their most vulnerable," he said.

"It's an incredibly challenging job and due to the dedication and professionalism of ambulance staff, we have one of the best ambulance services in the world.

"Ambulance staff provide a lifeline to people in their moment of need and they face the challenges and dangers of responding to 999 calls."

Mr Burnham added: "This medal will be a recognition of what the whole country feels towards the ambulance service and the remarkable contribution they make."

Bestowed by Queen

The medal will be awarded for an outstanding contribution to the national or local development of the ambulance service, as well as for demonstrating commitment beyond the call of duty.

It will be bestowed by the Queen, similar to the Queen's police and fire service medals.

London Ambulance Service chief executive Peter Bradley said the award was "fantastic news" for the service.

"Ambulance staff are an integral part of the NHS and also an absolutely key emergency service, working alongside police and fire service colleagues thousand of times every day," he said.

"To be able to receive the same recognition as our other emergency service colleagues will be very much welcomed by ambulance staff up and down the country."