First Responders Recognised With Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal

Six members of the Rossendale Community First Responder team were proud and honoured to receive a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee medal for long service.

 Pictured with their medals left to right are: Gary Bradbury,
Mohammed Shafiq (currently training to become a Paramedic),
Brian Pickup (Rossendale CFR Team Leader),
Councillor Gladys Sandiford, Dawn Taylor (Deputy Team Leader),
Simon Doyle (now leading the Sabden CFR team),
Carl Potter (former CFR, now a Paramedic) and Paul Nielsen.

The medals were presented at the team's regular training evening at Fearns Community Sports College by Councillor Gladys Sandiford, former Mayor of Rossendale. Each of the Responders has served at least 5 years in continuous voluntary service to the Rossendale community.

First Responders are mobilized by North West Ambulance Service and, as they are on call from their own home or place of work, they are often able to arrive on scene before the emergency ambulance. They are trained to a high standard and carry life saving equipment to assist a patient with serious or life-threatening conditions.

Paul Nielsen said: 'I am really proud to receive the medal and to have not only my work, but also the work of all Community First Responders recognised in this way.'