Richard Webb-Stevens has been with the Service for 23 years and works in our motorcycle response unit — a team of 30 paramedics who can get to patients rapidly in busy and congested areas.

Richard, who was born deaf, was the first deaf paramedic to work for London’s Air Ambulance as a member of the helicopter emergency medical service, responding to catastrophic trauma victims.

Richard’s bravery and dedication were on display when he arrived on the scene of the Westminster terror incident in 2017. In this most terrible of circumstances, Richard proceeded quietly down Westminster Bridge, caring for everyone he encountered, many of whom were severely injured.

In the early days of the pandemic, Richard fell gravely ill with COVID-19. He returned to serve our patients as soon as he was well enough after obtaining life-saving care.

Richard has championed advances for people with hearing impairments working in emergency services, thanks to a lot of hard effort on his own time.

Richard discovered that the in-helmet earpiece used by motorcycle paramedics to stay in contact while driving was incompatible with his hearing aid when he joined the motorcycle response unit. Richard worked with designers, audiologists, and hearing aid businesses in an attempt to find a solution. Despite being informed that the systems could not coexist, Richard persisted, and his new design has proven to be such a success that his upgraded communication systems have been adopted by police forces, medical professionals, and military personnel worldwide.

I am very humbled to have received this award, especially as HM The Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee year,” Richard stated. I am really delighted to work as a paramedic with the London Ambulance Service, and it is an honour to assist the people of London.

Richard and the motorcycle response team suffered a devastating loss in April when their long-serving colleague, Mark Pell, who was also a paramedic in the unit and served alongside Richard, was killed in an accident while on a training course in North Wales.

We all miss Mark terribly, and his passing is a huge loss to the motorcycle response unit and the London Ambulance Service,” Richard added. I work as part of an outstanding team, and I would not have achieved this award without the help and dedication of all of my coworkers. I accept this award on behalf of the entire Service, in remembrance of Mark and in honour to his family and friends.

The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal is awarded to members of the NHS ambulance service for exceptional service, and I can think of no greater person than Richard to receive this illustrious Honour,” said Daniel Elkeles, Chief Executive. Over his 23 years with us, Richard has demonstrated great dedication to our patients, saving numerous lives. He is an example to staff and volunteers within our organisation and the NHS as a whole, and we are very proud of his accomplishments.”

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