SAS staff member awarded for 15 years of volunteer lifesaving

A Scottish Ambulance Service Ambulance Care Assistant has received a long service award after 15 years volunteering for St Andrews First Aid.

Lynne Duke, who works out of Leverndale Station, started with St Andrews in 2009 after seeing an advert in a local paper.

St Andrews, which formed in 1882, promotes the teaching of first aid along with supplying first aid equipment and event cover.

Lynne, who joined the ambulance service in 2016, was recently presented with a long service award at a Civic Reception at Edinburgh City Chambers, attending with her daughter Sarah and presented with her medal and certificate by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost.

Lynne said: “It was really nice to be recognised for the volunteering that I do.”

Speaking of how she got into volunteering with St Andrews, she said after applying for a position, she completed a three-month training course with the option to volunteer after successful completion.

She added: “I made the decision to join and really enjoyed my time and have never looked back. Not only did St Andrew’s give the confidence to try new things, I’ve met friends that I can now call friends for life.”

In the past 15 years, Lynne has volunteered at six T in the Park Festivals, numerous concerts, football matches, Remembrance Day parades and local duties including performances in East Kilbride village theatre.

Her enjoyment from volunteering inspired her to change careers joining SAS as an Ambulance Care Assistant, caring for members of the public when transporting them to and from hospital.

She said: “I started working part-time in based at Paisley station before moving to Glasgow South station. I now work full time at Leverndale Station. I like that every day is different, meeting different people and the challenges that it brings.”

Paul Bennie, Ambulance Care Assistant Team Leader at Leverndale, said: “On behalf of everyone at SAS,  I would like to congratulate Lynne on a fantastic achievement.

“She is a fantastic member of staff and inspiring volunteer for St Andrews. This award is thoroughly deserved and everyone at Leverndale is thrilled she has been recognised.”