Brookside resident receives British Empire Medal
A familiar face on Brookside has been named in the New Year Honours list after decades of dedicated service to emergency response and the local community.
Scott Saunders, who has been involved with event medicine for 30 years, was awarded the British Empire Medal for his commitment to life-saving work and volunteering across Telford.
Scott Saunders BEM began his journey with St John Ambulance and private ambulance services before establishing a first aid team at his local community centre. Despite being a wheelchair user following a serious pelvic fracture, he has spent over ten years volunteering at the centre and training the public in vital skills such as CPR.
His experience includes responding to several high-pressure incidents within the neighbourhood, including a local man who suffered severe burns from a 20,000-volt electric shock. He also provided life-saving treatment to a man with a major bleed following a stabbing and assisted in the resuscitation of a two-week-old baby while on duty at an event.
Speaking about the honour, Mr Saunders said: “I only found out about the award about 2 months ago. I had no idea who nominated until a couple of weeks ago, they nominated me in 2023. To be honest I was shocked and embarrassed that I was nominated. I also received the Sheriff award in 2023 for services to the community.”
The award also recognises his work in challenging perceptions around disability. Mr Saunders has spent years proving that being a wheelchair user does not limit his ability to help others or serve on the front line of emergency care.
“Its also to do with the fact I have been breaking down barriers.” he said.
Looking ahead to the formal ceremonies, he added: “What difference will it make? Not sure about that one. But I know I will have to buy a suit and wear a tie. I have been told that I will get invites to an event at Buckingham Palace. I’m far from posh lol. I’m happier working knee deep in mud and blood.”
“I don’t have a posh bone (that I’ve not broken lol)”
