A member of the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has been awarded with a prestigious King’s Ambulance Medal (KAM) at a recent ceremony in London.

Louise Walker, head of education and community response for the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, is one of a small select group of people in the country to be recognised in this way.

Louise was announced in the King’s New Year Honours List and has been recognised for her exceptional devotion to duty, outstanding ability, merit and conduct in her role.

Receiving her medal from Anne, Princess Royal, at a recent ceremony held at Windsor Castle, Louise said: “It was an absolute pleasure.

“I felt very proud to be wearing the ambulance uniform and to be there representing the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and all the things we believe in and work hard to achieve.

“When receiving that medal, quite honestly, I was just thinking about the teams and people around me because they were the reason why I was there receiving it.

“It was wonderful to be able to share that moment with my family too."

Louise has been instrumental in expanding the availability of public access defibrillators across the Island and is known to many of the Island’s schools and businesses through the training she and her team deliver. 

Victoria White, Isle of Wight Ambulance Service director said: “We are incredibly proud of Louise and all she has achieved, alongside her colleagues, and our amazing volunteers, who together have saved many lives and continue to provide an incredible service for our Island community.

“It is wonderful for Louise and the service to be recognised in this way.

“Receiving the King’s Ambulance Medal is very special, and Louise and the service as a whole should take a moment to enjoy this recognition.”