Pluss, a national social enterprise that supports people with disabilities into employment, supported and validated the application to Leader status, and will become integrated into SWASFT recruitment process.

Grant Neems, Employer Services Manager from the Pluss said SWASFT should be proud: “This is a prestigious award and gives independent, external recognition to the first Ambulance Trust in the country to achieve this status. There has been a tremendous amount of work and commitment from SWASFT to make this happen.”

Only five other NHS organisations in the country have this award status. Pluss is an award-winning Community Interest Company that supports thousands of people each year to achieve a career and fulfil their true potential.

SWASFT’s Executive Director for People and Culture, Amy Beet, said; “We are committed to supporting people with disabilities throughout their employment and to grow their careers within our organisation. SWASFT is an inclusive employer and is working with our people across the organisation to further improve their employment experience and to ensure our opportunities are open and accessible to those who wish to join our organisation, irrespective of their background or individual needs.   We are proud to be recognised as a Disability Confident Leader and look forward to progressing our work in this area which will be to the benefit of both our current employees and those yet to join our team.

Pluss’s employment operations help jobseekers who need the most specialist support to find work. Their enterprise operations will run alongside SWASFT recruitment processes to create direct employment opportunities in a wide range of job roles across the Trust. The company uses the inclusive tag line #NoOneLeftBehind.

During a special meet-up at Bristol Ambulance Station on Monday 22 July, Heidi and Jac expressed thanks to the team for helping Harry to be born safely.

Heidi said: “That day was an absolute whirlwind. No one could have expected such a quick labour, and to be welcoming our son into the world so soon.

“I was panicking before the crews arrived. But they were so lovely, reassuring and calming – and really kept me going. They encouraged me to breathe, and ensured Harry was delivered safely. We went from a situation of panic to having a positive birth experience. We’re hugely thankful to them. What a wonderful team of professionals! We’re over the moon that we’ve been able to thank them in person.”

Heidi and Jac had hoped their new son would be born at home.

On the day of the birth, Heidi went into hospital for a check-up because her waters had broken. But she was discharged because she wasn’t showing any signs of being in labour.

However, she soon began having strong and frequent contractions - and started to bleed. Jac called the midwife who advised him to ring 999.

Steph Ruby, a 999 call handler in the SWASFT 999 Control Centre, instructed Jac how to prepare for the birth, while dispatcher Lee Collins organised for crews to be sent to help.

Paramedic Tom Abbott and Emergency Care Assistant Sam Francombe arrived minutes later after being diverted from another emergency call.

They were followed by Paramedic Mark Baldwyn, Emergency Care Assistant Holly Bowden and Student Paramedic Libys McGuinness.

Both mum and baby were well enough to go home the same day.

Paramedic Mark said: “It was a team effort to deliver their baby at home. We’re really grateful that they got in touch to thank us.”  

Mariyam was taken to hospital for observation following the incident on 30 June.

Inayah made a special visit with her family to the SWASFT Control Centre in Bristol on Wednesday 24 July to be formally recognised for her actions.

She was presented with a certificate from SWASFT Chief Executive Ken Wenman to congratulate her for knowing what to do in an emergency. 

Inayah said: “I tried to stay calm and not be scared. I’m pleased mummy is better now.”

Marijam said: “It felt like someone was trying to strangle me. I couldn’t breathe properly. It was really scary.

“Thankfully Inayah knew exactly what to do, and she did everything perfectly. We’re so proud of her.”

Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Lydia, praised Inayah.

She said: “Inayah was fantastic. She confidently told me her address, and said her mum was having an allergic reaction after eating an ice cream. She remained so calm and told me exactly what was happening.

“I was very impressed when she gave her mum her EpiPen straight away, before I even gave her the instructions. She knew exactly what to do. She answered all my questions perfectly, and listened really well to everything. She really was brilliant and is a credit to her mum.”

Mariyam said Inayah had been curious about what to do in an emergency after seeing an elderly man fall over in the street. So Inayah’s dad, Juhal, taught her how to respond.

She said: “Inayah was very curious. So her dad explained what to do, and taught her how to use the house phone which she used to call 999. She’s even memorised our postcode.”

Control Room Dispatcher Victoria Fido organised for crews to attend the incident.

Paramedics Alex Nicolson and Rebecca Fey were the first responders on scene. They were followed by Paramedic Heidi Hodgson and Emergency Care Assistant Tina Robins.

Paramedic Rebecca Fey said: “Little Inayah was standing at the front door when we arrived, and took us to her mummy. Then she announced that she needed to contact her daddy, because he was at work. She was so calm and brave in a scary situation.”

Mariyam will have a test in hospital next month in a bid to find out the exact nature of her allergy.

SWASFT encourages parents to teach their children what to do in an emergency.

That includes showing them how to call 999, making sure they know their address, and ensuring they are aware of any known health problems in the family. 

The paramedic says “It was really scary, my glasses were knocked off and I was pinned down helplessly under the full weight of this man, getting punched.”

The man has now been convicted by Weymouth Magistrates to eight weeks in prison and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the paramedic. He pleaded guilty to ‘Assault by beating of an emergency worker.’

James was punched and thrown around the back of the ambulance before being rescued by his partner in the front seat who called the police. The man was arrested, although it took four police officers to pin him down due to his drug induced strength.

James said: “I would urge anyone who goes through the same to report it to the police and your senior teams. If we act together against this type of violent behaviour we will get through to people – this is just unacceptable.”

Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of South Western Ambulance Service, said: “Like all our emergency services colleagues, our crews and control staff work in extremely difficult circumstances and are often under threat of attack or abuse. This is totally unacceptable and we will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that our staff are protected and those responsible for such attacks are prosecuted.”