GWAAC’s triple success at national awards!

GWAAC were delighted to see three of their team win national awards at the Association of Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence held on Monday 18^th November.

Almost 300 guests came together to celebrate the nation’s finest clinicians, aviators, fundraisers, volunteers and charity staff of the air ambulance community at a ceremony showcasing the excellence and commitment of those who go beyond the call of duty.

With awards for Paramedic of the Year, Doctor of the Year and Charity Staff Member of the Year all going to GWAAC, the night was a huge success for the local charity which provides the critical care and air ambulance service to 2.1 million people across the region.

GWAAC’s first winner of the night went to Specialist Paramedic Vicki Brown, who won Paramedic of the Year after her outstanding contribution to the charity’s operations since 2012. Vicki has continuously set herself new challenges, showing exceptional leadership and management ability and pushing the boundaries of paramedic practice.

Critical Care Doctor, Scott Grier, took home the Doctor of the Year Award – a huge achievement and the second year in a row that a GWAAC doctor has won this category. Scott has been with the charity since 2016, setting himself incredibly high standards and challenging the team to continuously improve.

Finally, Finance Officer Khin Latt won Charity Staff Member of the Year to raucous applause for the exceptional support she shows to her colleagues. Khin started as a volunteer for the charity in 2014 and went on to become the first employee with any finance experience. Khin never fails to put a smile on colleagues’ faces with her thoughtful nature, whether it’s leaving a motivational note for someone who is having a bad day, or bringing in home cooked food for the crew.

Chief Executive Anna Perry said: “The whole GWAAC team are incredibly proud to work alongside colleagues such as Scott, Vicki and Khin and I am so pleased that their incredible commitment and dedication to the cause has been recognized – it’s thoroughly deserved!”

GWAAC’s Critical Care Team attend an average of over 5 incidents every single day, bringing the skills and expertise of a hospital emergency department straight to patients – where it’s needed the most. Every mission is potentially life-saving and the charity relies on charitable donations and support from its local community to raise over £3 million a year to keep flying.

Christian Wiggin, Specialist Lead Critical Care for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said; “Congratulations to our winners – Dr Scott Grier and Specialist Paramedic – Critical Care, Vicki Brown for winning at the Air Ambulance Awards ceremony. We are truly proud of the fantastic work they do with their teams in keeping our communities safe.”

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