A paramedic has been given an award for his actions during the 2017 London Bridge terror attack that ‘saved many lives’.
Gary Edwards was one of the first people on the scene on June 3 2017, thinking at first that he had been called to a routine road traffic collision. It soon became clear that something far worse had happened.
Gary is a tactical response unit (TRU) paramedic – which means he is specially trained to respond to terrorist attacks. He immediately treated some wounded people on the scene and took others to safety, making many trips to and from the bridge that night. Gary said he did not know at the time if the gunfire he could hear was the police or the attackers but he carried on working.
Thanks to the efforts of Gary, other emergency services workers and brave members of the public, 48 people were taken to hospital and survived. Sadly eight people died as a result of the attack.
Gary has been given the London Ambulance Service’s Chief Commendation Award, awarded to those who have shown exceptional courage and bravery.
Nick Osborne, a TRU operations officer who nominated Gary for the award said: “Gary and others made countless journeys across the bridge that night, evacuating those casualties unable to walk to a safer area.
“I have no doubt that Gary’s initial quick actions, and subsequent tireless work with others at the scene, saved many lives that night, and was one of the reasons that the 48 members of the public conveyed to hospital survived.”
Former London Ambulance Service chief executive Garrett Emmerson gave Gary the award.
Garrett said: “Gary is a real credit to the Service and his actions that night personifies the incredible professionalism and speed of our response. It is wonderful to be able to recognise him in this way.”
Gary said: “I’m so honoured to receive this award and to be recognised in this way. It was an extremely difficult and challenging incident to attend.
“I’d like to thank all my colleagues from across the emergency services who responded and worked so hard to help treat and get people to safety. I would also like to thank my colleagues who have been so supportive since that night.
“My thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident, including colleagues and members of the public who were there to see it unfold.”