Dedicated paramedic awarded for 40 years' service

Clive Parnham was awarded the 40 Years NHS Service Award and the Ambulance Long Service and Good Conduct Medal clasp

A dedicated paramedic has been honoured for more than four decades of service.

Clive Parnham, 65, joined the Essex Ambulance Service, as it was then known, in 1982 as a relief worker.

He has pioneered volunteer first responder schemes in north-west Essex, including in Saffron Walden, Steeple Bumpstead, Thaxted and Great Chesterford.

Mr Parnham was handed two awards at an East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust ceremony last month and said it was an "absolute pleasure" to work with so many "wonderful, caring people".

"I wouldn't be where I am today without the love and support of my family who have stood behind me throughout my time in the service," he explained.

"The caring aspect really stands out to me - we do this job because we care and want to serve our communities, and occasionally make a real difference in someone's life."

'Amazing journey'

Mr Parnham started as a relief worker covering a huge swathe of the county, from Saffron Walden down to Thurrock.

In 1988, he was promoted to a leading role at Saffron Walden ambulance station, and three months later, was accepted on to the county's first national paramedic course.

"I was qualified on the Friday and on the Monday it was like, 'You're a paramedic now get on with it'," he recalled.

Trainees now need to complete a three or four-year full time degree course, or a two to three-year degree apprenticeship, in order to qualify.

In 2001, he joined the Essex Air Ambulance and since 2018, has been part of a team at London Stansted Airport.

He is also a long-standing member of the St John Ambulance and was inducted into the Order of St John in 2011.

He was awarded the 40 Years NHS Service Award and the Ambulance Long Service and Good Conduct Medal clasp.

"It has been an amazing journey."