NOMINEES from the Isle of Man are being sought for an inaugural awards ceremony to be staged by the St John Ambulance organisation.
The local branch is joining the nationwide search to celebrate individuals, businesses and communities that are leading the way in first aid.
The inaugural St John Ambulance First Aid Awards aims to recognise the achievements of those who champion first aid – in the workplace or in public - and heroes who have been the difference between a life lost and a life saved.
The event has just launched and already has the backing of high profile supporters including presenter Matthew Wright whose life was saved through first aid, and BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth, who will host the awards.
Nominations are free and need to be made by August 26 via www.sja.org.uk/firstaidawards. Finalists will be invited to attend a celebratory black-tie awards dinner that will take place in the Lancaster London hotel, near Hyde Park, on November 30.
Each year up to 150,000* people die in situations where first aid could have given them the chance to live. St John Ambulance wants to put an end to these needless deaths and encourage everyone to have the skills to save a life. The awards will aim to raise awareness of the importance of first aid and celebrate those who have put their knowledge to use.
Phil Bennett, of St John Ambulance Isle of Man, said, “We are seeking-out First Aid Champions and Workplace Heroes for deserved recognition. Whether it’s a family member, friend, colleague, workplace or local school or shop, we want to hear about those individuals or organisations that you think should be recognised for their first aid achievements.
“It may be someone who has saved a life or a business that does all it can to ensure its staff or customers are prepared to be the difference between life and death. We want to hear your stories and examples of best practice.”
There are three categories, giving recognition to employees, businesses and communities which have led the way in first aid.
‘The difference’ Awards: Celebrating courageous individuals, valiant first aid advocates and those who have used their skills to be the difference between life and death.
Community Awards: Recognising organisations in the private and public sector that have gone above and beyond first aid legal requirements to provide the broadest possible benefits of first aid training to the public and their customers.
Workplace Awards: Rewarding organisations in the private and public sector that have exceeded legal first aid requirements, broadening the positive impact of first aid training for their businesses, employees, customers and the community.
The event is backed by Beth Chesney-Evans whose son, Guy Evans, died when he was 17, near his home in Didcot, Oxfordshire. Evidence suggests Guy might be alive today if he had been given basic first aid. An award in his honour will be given to an individual who has been the difference between life and death and will be presented by Beth.
Beth Chesney-Evans added, “I’m proud that there will be an award in Guy’s honour and that it will go to someone who has helped save a life. It’s a fitting tribute.”
Full details on the awards and entry process can be found at www.sja.org.uk/firstaidawards
