A FEW weeks ago in this column, our director of nursing, Sandy Brown, asked for your views, both good and bad, on the ambulance service.

We know the number of compliments we receive heavily outweighs the number of complaints – but bad news always generates more coverage in the media than good news.

But what actually happens to a compliment or a commendation when one is received?

Since Sandy’s column,I was fortunate to be involved in one such outcome – our long service and excellence awards ceremony held at the Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich.

In addition to celebrating the 20, 25 and 30 years of dedicated service by our staff, there were several individuals being praised.

These included a number of our staff as well as some from the other emergency services who went above and beyond the call of their respective duties. Several had endangered their own life to rescue people and keep them alive.

There was recognition of staff who freely gave up their own time for the benefit of the public they are otherwise paid to serve.

Members of the public were praised for showing anything from common sense to great courage for intervening when their friends and relatives most needed their help.

There were reunions of proud, yet humble and modest, lifesavers and grateful patients.

The audience saw people who had technically died but who were standing before them presenting awards.

The gratitude and emotion could not just be seen but also felt. Make no mistake – there are good people out there. This is what can happen if you compliment them.