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Vice-Chair Paul Gates Awarded the British Empire Medal in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours
The British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS) is proud to announce that its Vice-Chair, Paul Gates OStJ MBA BSc (Hons) PGCert DipIMC RCSEd DipMIM RCSEd FBASICS MRCPara, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in His Majesty The King’s Official Birthday Honours List 2026.
The honour recognises Paul’s exceptional contribution to his local community through the ambulance service, pre-hospital emergency care, and his longstanding commitment to voluntary immediate care.
Paul is currently Deputy Chief Paramedic at the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, and his long and distinguished career in the ambulance service.
Alongside his professional career, Paul has made a significant voluntary contribution to immediate care. He is the founder and Chair of BASICS Essex, a role he has held since 2010, where he has been instrumental in developing and sustaining a network of volunteer responders providing enhanced clinical care at the scene of incidents.
Paul has also been a member of the British Association of Immediate Care for many years, and his contribution to the organisation has been extensive. Currently Vice-Chair, he previously served as Chairman and Honorary Secretary, playing a key role in shaping the organisation’s direction and strengthening its national impact. In recognition of his service, he has previously been awarded the Fellowship of the British Association for Immediate Care (FBASICS).
“We are absolutely delighted to see Paul recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours,” said Dr Andrew Pountney, Chair of the Association. “His dedication to patient care, both professionally and through his voluntary work, is exemplary. Paul has made a lasting impact on immediate care and the wider ambulance community, and this recognition is richly deserved.”
Paul said: “I am honoured to receive this award, but I see it as recognition of the incredible volunteers who respond day and night to support patients and communities across the country. Their commitment, professionalism and compassion often go unseen, and I hope this honour helps highlight the vital work they do.”
Paul will receive the medal as part of the official honours process later this year.
You can find the full press release, including contact details and notes for editors here
Previous Articles
13 June 2026
Our latest newsletter with updates on His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List, award nominations, conference, education and our 50th anniversary.
10 June 2026
The 2026 Pre-Hospital Care Conference programme is now available! Booking is open with discounts for our members, FPHC, UK military and students.
02 April 2026
Information on nominations for our 2026 awards, and news on some of the first arrivals of equipment and vehicles funded by the HELP appeal.