Paul Gates BASICS Vice-Chair Awarded British Empire Medal
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 has had a 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.
Notes to Editors
- The British Empire Medal (BEM) British Empire Medal (BEM) is given for achievement or contribution of a very “hands-on” service to the community in a local geographical area.
- Paul’s post-nominals reflect professional, academic, and clinical achievement, including Fellowship of BASICS (FBASICS), Membership of the Royal College of Paramedics (MRCPara), qualifications in immediate care (DipIMC RCSEd), and recognition through the Order of St John (OStJ).
- Since 1977, the British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS) has supported pre-hospital immediate care through our membership network, delivery of educational courses, our annual conference and provision of grant funding.
- This announcement is strictly embargoed until 00:01 on 13 June 2026 and must not be published or broadcast before this time.
Media Contact:
Gary Morgan, Chief Officer, British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS)
Tel: 01473 359921
Email: info@basics.org.uk