Yorkshire volunteer wins national award

A Community First Responder from Yorkshire has received national recognition for his remarkable commitment to emergency care and support.

Chris Wilson, a volunteer with Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, has been named Healthcare Volunteer of the Year at the Skills for Health Our Health Heroes Awards 2025.

Since May 2018, Chris has been on call to respond to emergencies in his local area, providing lifesaving assistance during critical incidents. In the past year alone, he has dedicated an incredible 550 hours each month to the service, alongside caring responsibilities for his wife and volunteer roles with other community organisations.

Chris regularly attends category 1 life-saving emergencies and has played a key role in several successful resuscitations. He also serves as a trained Falls Responder, a specialist role requiring additional skills and equipment. This enables him to attend incidents where individuals have fallen at home and need urgent assistance but may not require ambulance transport.

Using specialist equipment like a Raizer emergency lifting chair, Chris can safely help patients off the floor after clinical assessment and telephone support from ambulance service clinicians. His swift action not only prevents further health deterioration but also reduces strain on emergency services, freeing up ambulance crews for higher-priority calls.

Reacting to his award win Chris said “I’m just proud to support my community in any way I can. Every call is different, but knowing you’ve made a difference, even in small ways, makes it all worthwhile.”

Lee Whitworth, Community Defibrillation Trainer, who nominated Chris for this award, said: “Chris has been a leading light in our Bedale Scheme for many years; Chris is always keen to support new volunteers and myself as his Trainer. I was honoured and proud to recommend Chris for this award in recognition of his commitment to patient care within North Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Dales area.” 

Supported by NHS England, NHS Employers, NHS Shared Business Services, NHS Race & Health Observatory, SFJ Awards and Integrated Care Journal, Skills for Health’s Our Health Heroes recognises and honours the hard work carried out daily by thousands of staff across the UK.