A WORCESTER paramedic received an award for her quick thinking in bravely preventing a patient self-harming with a knife.

Shannon Lee attended to a 45-year-old man complaining of chest pain, however on arrival the patient was threatening suicide and under the influence of alcohol.

He walked into the kitchen and attempted to stab himself, however, Ms Lee acted quickly to disarm the patient so that he did not cause himself harm. She received a Chief Officer's Commendation award.

The award was one of more than 100 which were given out at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierely Hill last Thursday at the West Midlands Ambulance Service Long Service and Excellence Awards ceremony.

West Midlands Ambulance Service Trust chief executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “There is only one ambulance service that has achieved an outstanding rating from the CQC and that is our ambulance service.

"That is down to the hard work of every member of staff who shows incredible dedication to providing the very highest level of patient care, something for which I am truly grateful.

"I am immensely proud of the work that you all do, often in very difficult circumstances, and I want to thank you all for making us the best ambulance service in the country."

Evesham paramedic Claire Main also received a Chief Officer's Commendation award after being tasked with a cardiac arrest.

During the incident she walked past a man with a large knife out of concern for the patient with a cardiac arrest and found the person who had made the call and a dead woman.

She then proceeded to get herself and the caller out of the property to safety.

This year, 12 operational members of staff became eligible for their 20 year Long Service and Good Conduct Medal which were presented by the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE.

In addition, 12 staff were commended for 25 years service, ten received certificates for 30 years service, one member of staff was honoured for 35 years in the trust, whilst a further three were commended their 40 years service.