Government launches medal for ambulance services

The Department of Health (DoH) has announced the launch of a new medal that will be used to honour NHS ambulance workers.

Unveiled in the run-up to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the 999 services, the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal will be awarded to staff who have shown a dedication going beyond the usual call of duty when involved in major incidents.

Like the existing police and fire service medals, this award will be bestowed upon NHS staff by the Queen.

Andy Burnham, health minister, said: “Ambulance staff provide a lifeline to people in their moment of need and they face the challenges and dangers of responding to 999 calls.”

He added that the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal will be used to see that staff who make considerable personal contributions to vital ambulance services are properly recognised for their efforts.

Meanwhile, the health minister added that NHS ambulance trusts will be permitted to apply for foundation trust status from the start of April 2009,

He described such trusts as an “NHS success story” facilitating greater input into the decision making process from patients and staff.

In March 2007, the DoH announced the initiation of the Hazardous Area Response Team (Hart) programme which will see specialist ambulance crews deal with terrorist attacks and nuclear incidents.