St John wins second Pink Paper award

For the second year running, St John Ambulance has won best ambulance service in the Pink Paper Awards 2010 – the biggest lesbian, gay and bisexual awards in Britain.

Top of strong field

The nation’s leading first aid charity beat the North West Ambulance Service and the London Ambulance Service, who were awarded second and third place.

The charity is in good company, winning alongside artist of the year, Lady Gaga, best film, Milk and hero of the year, Barack Obama.

The awards are voted by thousands of readers of the Pink Paper with the shortlist created by reader nominations.

Delighted to win

Chris Reed, Head of Volunteering, said: 'We're extremely grateful to have received this award and delighted that our work has been acknowledged.'

‘Our volunteers are highly dedicated to caring for their communities and this was evident throughout the year, particularly between December and February. Through treacherous conditions, St John Ambulance worked throughout the night to give first aid care to patients who suffered from fractures and dehydration, as well as transport the terminally ill in their vehicles.

As the leading first aid charity, St John Ambulance were also quick to act during an explosion in Shropshire that occurred earlier this year. Volunteers were on scene within five minutes and gave emergency support to 29 injured people.

‘These are only just a couple of examples of how our work helps the community, but first aid is an essential skill that can help in any scenario.  We are always keen to recruit volunteers who are as passionate as we are about helping others.’