UK Paramedic And Ex-Santo Volunteer Awarded British Empire Medal In Queen Elizabeth II’s 2020 New Year’s Honours List

British national, Nicholas Woolf, who until recently worked as a volunteer paramedic on Santo, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. Mr. Woolf received the honour for services to emergency medicine and disaster response.

Mr. Woolf led a team of ProMedical staff on Santo, helping with the recovery effort after Cyclone Harold and providing life-saving support to communities there. In addition to his role as a paramedic, Woolf was also involved in fund raising for the reconstruction of childcare facilities on Santo.

Commenting on his honour Mr. Woolf said, “I still can’t quite believe that I have received the award. Paramedics are extremely privileged to enter people’s houses and to see the reality of life wherever they go.

“In Vanuatu I saw a tropical paradise, friendly people and health inequality. The devastation of cyclone Harold on Santo brought home to me why I do the job I do.

“Working with the ProMedical team on Santo was the most worthwhile time in my career.”

Along with his work as a volunteer in Vanuatu, Mr. Woolf’s commitment to helping others is reflected though a lifetime of voluntary work as a paramedic in some of the world’s most challenging locations including Haiti, Afghanistan and Ethiopia.

British Deputy High Commissioner Paul Lawrence paid tribute to Mr. Woolf: “I warmly congratulate Nich on his award.

“His lifelong dedication to helping others in need is a real credit to him and we are pleased that his achievements have been acknowledged through recognition in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List.”

Mr. Woolf, who also celebrated his birthday on the day his honour was announced, is currently living in the United Kingdom and preparing for another voluntary assignment overseas.

(Source; Vanuatu Daily Post news 02 January 2021)