A Mansfield medic was honoured at the East Midlands Ambulance Service awards for raising the profile of a scheme that helped save the life of a newborn baby in cardiac arrest.

Simon Parry, co-ordinator of the Mansfield Community First Responder (CFR) group, won the Paul Richard Basford award.

It is presented in memory of EMAS volunteer Paul Basford, who, along with his fiancée, Tina, died in 2001 following a motorcycle accident.

Winners of the annual award are volunteers who have gone the extra mile.

Simon was chosen because of his passion and determination, which has raised the profile of the scheme in the community, and for encouraging more volunteers to join.

His nominator said: “Simon is a superb leader who regularly goes the extra mile for our volunteers.

“Simon responded to a seven-week-old baby weighing only three pounds, who was in cardiac arrest. Simon and the crew managed to keep the baby alive.

“His commitment to patient care is exemplary. He is a true gentleman.”

Simon, who has successfully applied to be a technician and is training to join EMAS frontline colleagues, said: “I’m proud to be part of the EMAS team.”

Seven awards were presented on the night, which is held to celebrate EMAS staff for going above and beyond the call of duty to support patients, colleagues and the local community.

Pauline Tagg, EMAS chairman, said: “I hear examples every day of the amazing work that our staff and volunteers do.

“It is brilliant to have an opportunity to thank them and recognise their achievements.

“I am proud of everyone for their continued dedication and commitment to their role, whatever it may be.

“These people are there at the most distressing and challenging time in a person’s life and to provide a friendly face as well as a life-saving emergency service.

“Our awards celebrate those individuals who go the extra mile to provide the best possible care.”