The College of Paramedics is delighted to announce that our Head of Clinical Development for Emergency and Critical Care, Carl Smith, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) in the New Year’s Honours List 2024.
Carl, who has been a member of the College of Paramedics since its inception, will be presented with his medal by Norfolk’s Lord-Lieutenant, Lady Philippa Dannatt MBE at a local ceremony and will also attend a Royal Garden Party in 2024.
Commenting on his award, Carl said: “
It was a total surprise when I received a letter informing me of the award and I am humbled to be receiving this recognition.”
Carl started his paramedic career in 2000 and eight years later began volunteering for MAGPAS Air Ambulance where he undertook shifts for five years as part of an Enhanced Care Team before transferring to East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA).
During his career with the East of England Ambulance Service Carl has held a number of clinical and operational posts, the most recent of which was Sector Clinical Lead and Regional Cardiac Lead. Since joining the College of Paramedics as our Head of Clinical Development for Emergency and Critical Care in 2023, Carl continues to undertake clinical shifts as an Advanced Paramedic in Critical Care and remains an active member of the EAAA team.
When he’s not working as a paramedic, Carl spends his spare time as an on-call firefighter. He also volunteers for Norfolk Accident Rescue Service (NARS) where he responds from home to support crews at the most serious incidents. And if that wasn’t enough, he is a visiting lecturer at the University of East Anglia and an examiner for the Dip IMC.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Carl was instrumental in integrating firefighters into the ambulance service to work on the frontline with trained ambulance clinicians to ensure that an emergency response could be provided to patients. As a result of this initiative, Carl undertook some research on the experiences of the fire and rescue and ambulance services working together and co-presented his findings at the College of Paramedics’ International Conference in 2021.
The following year he was presented with a Companionship Award at the 2022 Honours & Awards for his work with other emergency services and ongoing support to his colleagues.
Tracy Nicholls, Chief Executive of the College of Paramedics said: “
On behalf of everyone at the College, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Carl who thoroughly deserves this honour. As our Head of Clinical Development for Emergency and Critical Care, Carl continues to drive the development of the paramedic profession forward and his vast experience in clinical and operational roles has undoubtedly been of benefit to us as an organisation. I know that his ultimate goal is to ensure patients receive the very best possible care. His passion, dedication and determination to succeed at whatever he does is second to none and I couldn’t be more proud of what he has achieved.”
Tom Abell, Chief Executive of the East of England Ambulance Service said: "
We are incredibly proud of Carl and are thrilled that his hard work and dedication has been recognised at such a high level. This honour is a testament to the calibre of professionals we have in our team and the important work they do every day."
Ceri Sumner, Chief Fire Officer for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said: “
We are delighted that firefighter Carl Smith has been awarded the BEM in the New Year’s Honours List 2024. Carl has served the communities of Norfolk with pride, commitment and dedication since 1996. Not only is Carl a competent and highly skilled firefighter, his knowledge around trauma is unparalleled within the fire sector. He has driven forward higher standards of traumatic incident response across our organisation and the teams he has worked with. We remember the significant incidents Carl has been involved in, always putting the wellbeing and health of others before his own. This award is truly deserved.”
Steve Maddams, from the Senior Leadership Team at NARS added: “
This award is well-deserved recognition for Carl, showing his sincere and unwavering dedication to volunteering with Norfolk Accident Rescue Service. His commitment to serving the community of Norfolk is truly commendable and has made a significant impact with Carl helping to save many lives with us since 2012, attending over 2,500 serious life-threatening 999 calls.”
