30.10.19
Her Majesty presents Ambulance Officer with Queen’s Ambulance Medal
Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Steve Wheaton, received a Queen’s Ambulance Medal (QAM) from Her Majesty during an Investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Friday (25 Oct)
Steve is part of the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) and was recognised in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List for his dedication and distinguished service to the ambulance sector.
Steve, whose career spans almost 30 years, said:
“It was a very proud day for me and my family who came to the ceremony with me. Whilst I received the award, I couldn’t have done it without the many staff who I have had the pleasure of working with in the ambulance service across our country.”
“It truly was a day to remember, made even more special by the fact it was the Queen herself who presented me with the QAM. Her Majesty asked about WMAS and also how busy the ambulance service is.”
“I would also like to thank the many people around the country who have sent me such lovely messages about the day and receiving the medal; it really is humbling.”
Steve moved to West Midlands Ambulance Service in 2008 to head up and expand the Trust’s Emergency Preparedness and Specialist Operations team where he still works today.
In 2013, Steve seconded to the role of Deputy Senior Responsible Officer at the Home Office where he was responsible for rolling out the national Joint Emergency Service Interoperability Programme (JESIP) across all emergency services in England.
The now 45-year-old found his love for the ambulance services at ten years old, when he became a cadet with a local volunteer ambulance service,
He continued on this path and in 1991 he went on to become a cadet with the London Ambulance Service where he spent ten years working to become a registered paramedic.
He obtained a promotion in 2001 to Duty Officer at the Essex Ambulance Service, before progressing further to Station Officer, Divisional Commander and the Head of Emergency Planning.
WMAS chief executive officer, Anthony Marsh, said:
“I have known Steve for 15 years and, in that time, I have watched him progress and flourish within the ambulance service to become a knowledgeable and well-respected individual in his field.”
“I am incredibly proud that Steve has been recognised in this way and would like to thank him for his tremendous service and for the thousands of patients he has helped along the way.”
Photo credit : West Midlands Ambulance Service