Guernsey paramedic Steve Torode has just been given the Chief Officer’s Award for Long Service.

Steve initially joined the service in 2003 as a mechanic but soon took a change in career path by completing his Emergency Medical Technician course at the Southern Ambulance College in Chippenham. He later qualified as a Paramedic after training with the South Western Ambulance Service Trust.

As an EMT and paramedic in Guernsey Steve has come to the aid of thousands of patients, he has also received many awards for his outstanding care, clinical intervention and rescue service support. In 2008 he received two Chief Ambulance Officer’s Recognition of Performance Awards for his actions with the Inshore Rescue Boat crew, completing a rescue in rough weather conditions which he performed in an outstanding manner. The second Recognition of Performance was awarded for his actions during a Marine Ambulance rescue in rough weather when going to the aid of a patient at the bottom of the cliffs in Sark. 

In 2010 Steve received another award for his efforts in a rescue at Soldier’s Bay. Two years later Steve received a Commendation for his actions when treating a patient who had suffered severe traumatic injuries following a fall from the roof of a building. His clinical skills as a paramedic prevented the condition of the patient from deteriorating, his actions that day were over and beyond what would normally be expected.

Steve has twice been the clinician with the highest number of appreciations received from patients, carers and members of the public by a member of staff. He was also responsible for the planning and delivery of the Tri-Service ‘Licence to Kill Safety Campaign for High School students, for which he received another award.