Volunteer hailed for saving lives over 20 years

A volunteer ambulance worker has been hailed for saving "countless lives" over 20 years of service.

Stuart Little first started volunteering as a community first responder at the East of England Ambulance Service on 27 November 2004.

The 52-year-old, from Bicknacre near Danbury, Essex, has since responded to about 4,000 emergency incidents across 27,000 hours of service.

He told the BBC of his "immense pride", adding: "I hope the next generation are there to take over when my days are done."

Mr Little's introduction to the role came while working as a radio engineer for the ambulance service.

He heard a call handler talk someone through CPR over the phone and felt inspired to make a difference of his own.

"I'm immensely proud of the role, being able to put the uniform on and do it," Mr Little said.

"I see smiles on faces of patients and families when we walk in the door and they know that somebody’s turned up to help, and I think that’s the key thing."

The volunteer's most memorable call came in 2015 when he attended the home of a three-year-old girl called Rosie who was suffering a cardiac arrest.

Her mother, who attended a life support class run by Mr Little a week prior, used the skills he taught her to perform life-saving CPR on Rosie before he arrived.

Six months later, the young girl underwent a successful heart transplant and is now thriving with her family.

Mr Little said: "When I started and was an inexperienced CFR, it was quite a scary world out there.

"Twenty years in, I don't get so scared about things. I'm very passionate about it."

Mr Little was praised by Claire Ruddy, the ambulance trust's community response manager, on his 20-year anniversary.

"He sets a high standard for all volunteers, constantly attending courses to enhance his skills," she said.

"Stuart has undoubtedly saved countless lives and continues to raise the profile of CFRs."

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