A paramedic who helped save five critically injured people from a serious road accident whilst off duty has been recognised with an award.

Mark Williams is a critical care practitioner with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, who he has been with for nine years.

After years of dedicated service, Mr Williams was awarded with the prestigious title of Air Ambulance Paramedic of the Year at the 2018 Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence, hosted by Richard Madeley and Angellica Bell.

Mark’s commitment to patient care, calmness under pressure and extraordinary scene management was exemplified earlier this year whilst off duty.

Travelling home from a family trip to the coast, he and his wife, who is also a paramedic with the South Western Ambulance Service, came across a serious road traffic incident; the result being five critically injured patients.

Despite being off duty and having no medical equipment to hand, Mark took control of the situation. The pair treated the seriously injured and enlisted help from members of the public both before and after the emergency services arrived.

Bill Sivewright, CEO of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said: “The professional and capable care that he demonstrated on a day where he was off duty is a wonderful example of the outstanding effect he has on the people around him.

“The personal confidence and trust that he placed in others is likely to have far-reaching effects, as those involved are far more likely to offer immediate aid in the future because of the faith that he showed in them. Therefore, Mark’s instinctive actions could potentially benefit patients that we never hear of and that is quite a legacy.”

Mr Williams said: “I feel absolutely privileged to receive this award. It was amazing to be nominated and I didn’t think for one minute that I would win, as there were so many other worthy nominations.

“To be with my wife and air ambulance colleagues on the evening made it evermore special. I am completed overwhelmed; it was very emotional and a very proud moment indeed.

“I am honoured to be part of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. We all do amazing things on a day-to-day basis, but to be recognised in this way is very humbling. I feel very proud and privileged not only for me and my family, but for the charity as well.”