AN 85-year-old ambulance volunteer has been recognised for his service by The King.

Michael Dearden, of Culmstock, attended The King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace last week after being nominated by colleagues in the South West Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT).

Mr Dearden joined the service 15 years ago, aged 70, after a career spent as a submariner with the Royal Navy, and is believed to be one of the country’s oldest frontline medics.

He said: “Back in 2008, the CFR (Community First Responder) scheme was just starting and I saw an advert for new volunteers and thought why not, and I am still happily attending patients today.  “Over the years I have seen improvements made to how volunteers can support and treat patients. As CFRs we carry oxygen and a defibrillator together with a full observation kit.

“We are trained to operate an emergency lifting chair, which has really transformed our ability to be able to lift a fallen person from the floor, and following a recent trial, we are now trained to carry and administer pain relief which has also made a massive difference to the care we can provide to our patients. 

"When I receive a call, I often get to the incident ahead of an ambulance because CFRs work in their own local area. I’ve been trained by SWASFT to deal with an emergency incident, in a calm and professional manner. 

"In terms of managing your time as a CFR volunteer with SWASFT it is very straightforward. If you want to work, you simply log yourself on as available and you will receive a call to go to an emergency. 

"When you walk into a person’s home, I always feel it is a great honour to be accepted to provide first aid and life-saving support. A lot of my work is being able to bring calm to people, and I find it’s often other family members who need it most during a very stressful time.

“You never know what the next call will bring, sometimes the difference you make is providing reassurance with a cup of tea and sometimes it’s saving someone's life." 

Jane Whichello, head of volunteering and community services at SWAFT, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Michael for his hard work and dedicated service and for the incredible contribution he has made to his local community and to SWASFT over the past 15 years.

“He has brought emergency treatment, comfort and support to countless patients and their families, often in one of the most scary times of their lives.  And I have no doubt that Michael will continue to do so for some time to come.  I am very proud that Michael was selected to represent all our ambulance volunteers at the garden party at Buckingham Palace this year.  

“Every day, volunteer Community First Responders from across the South West support SWASFT by attending emergencies within their local communities, often ahead of an emergency ambulance.”