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Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK's oldest first responder still saving lives at 88 - and says she'll never walk away
Carol Moss, 88, still gives hundreds of hours of her free time each month to volunteer with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust We all know how hard our emergency services work. And at 88, when most of us are long past retirement, Carol Moss is still working as a dedicated volunteer Community First Responder, saving lives in her local patch. She has been volunteering with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) for nearly 24 years, and has been nominated for a Pride of Britain Award for her inspirational work with the community. Carol's five-mile patch covers the village of East Bergholt in Suffolk, which means many of her patients are local. 'What happens is somebody rings 999 and they activate whoever's available and on duty,' she explains. 'We go in ahead of the ambulance and do what we can.' Carol travels by car and carries a defibrillator whenever she's on the rota as a first responder. When she arrives at the patient's side, she checks their oxygen levels, temperature, blood pressure and respiratory rate, and performs first aid and CPR if necessary. 'We aim to arrive within eight minutes of a call, because if you don't get a defib on someone who needs it within eight minutes, that's it,' she says. 'You know pretty quickly whether somebody's in trouble.' Carol started volunteering with EEAST after the death of her husband Michael, with whom she shared a daughter, a son and three grandchildren. She had retired from her career as a maths and science supply teacher when she was 'talked into' becoming a first responder. 'It gives you a purpose in life,' she says of her work. 'Once you've lost your husband, it's difficult to just live for yourself alone. You've got family and grandchildren and you help them, but it's nice to have something at home. 'Once you're in it, you can't quite walk away! I love helping people and it's a controlled way of doing that.' Since she first started working with EEAST, Carol has answered more than 1,000 emergency calls and supported countless people during some of the most critical moments of their lives. Carol gives hundreds of hours of her time, unpaid, to help her community. In 2025 so far, she has averaged over 260 volunteer hours each month, and stays 'on-call' most days to respond to medical emergencies. Lots of cases stay with her long after she's packed away her equipment, but the most memorable ones are of the people whose lives she has saved. And she says her patients often seek her out to thank her after their recovery. 'They come back to you, and it's quite nice that patients recognise you and come and thank you for looking after them,' she adds. 'It's lovely.' Lorna Hayes, EEAST's Head of Community Response, says: "Carol is an inspiration to us all. Her unwavering commitment, compassion and resilience has saved lives and brought comfort to countless families. She is a shining example of what it means to serve your community." The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises honour the nation's unsung heroes, with the star-studded celebration screened every year on ITV. The deadline for public nominations is midnight on Sunday, so if you know someone who deserves a Pride of Britain Award, now is the time to tell us about them.
BBC News
25-03-2025
- BBC News
Southend paramedics saved boy's life during violence
Two paramedics have been given commendations after saving a teenager's life during violent disorder in a seaside 16-year-old boy was bleeding from a life-threatening stab wound in Southend-on-Sea in Warwick and apprentice paramedic Sophie Rhodes applied a trauma dressing and treated him until an air ambulance Moloney, chief executive of the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said they showed "exceptional skill" and bravery. "In the midst of a volatile and dangerous situation, they showed unwavering dedication," said Mr paramedics were dispatched to violence in Southend High Street at about 18:50 GMT on 30 they drove along, the trust said the pair were confronted by a large group of youths who were "openly hostile" and banged on the ambulance as it control room told them they were in a "hot zone" - an area with a direct and immediate threat to their two of them made their way to a first floor flat where they took over from a police officer who had been working to stem the boy's condition improved after the trauma dressing was applied and he was airlifted to a London hospital for further least eight people were arrested and seven weapons were seized following the disorder on 30 July. A section 60 dispersal order was also put in place. Ms Rhodes said she was "deeply honoured" to receive the commendation and added: "We are trained to act in the face of uncertainty and knowing that our actions made a difference is why we do what we do."Mr Warwick, who has been a paramedic with the trust for more than 20 years said it was "truly humbling" to receive the commendation alongside her, and he said: "I was extremely impressed with the very calm and professional way Sophie handled a very challenging job – especially given this was only the second time she had attended a stabbing."The pair were presented with the commendations at Southend Ambulance Station in front of colleagues, family and friends. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
London Marathon runner from Essex in world record bid as shrimp
An avid runner is hoping to become the "world's fastest shrimp" when he runs a marathonEssex-based runner Jamie Campbell is determined to break the world record for running a marathon in a crustacean costume (male shrimp). The 31-year-old said: "When the fastest marathon as a crustacean popped up and it's faster than my personal best, it just seemed like a really perfect opportunity."Mr Campbell, of Southend-on-Sea, is in training and will bid to take the record when he runs the London Marathon on 27 April. Mr Campbell wants to beat the current world record of three hours 13 minutes and 18 seconds. He purchased his costume online and, with the help of his wife, tailored it to ensure he could run comfortably in it. He has completed one run in the costume so far at his local triathlon club. Mr Campbell said he has a reputation among his friends for experimenting with "quite funny fancy dress.". Mr Campbell chose his costume based on the heritage of his home city which he said is known for its "rich fishing history" and where the football team's nickname is The Shrimpers. He is fundraising for BASICS Essex, a charity supported by volunteer healthcare professionals who assist the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust. He said he plans to end the marathon with a post-race seafood platter and celebrate with friends and family. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
