Manningtree community first responder honoured with prestigious ambulance service award

An exceptional Community First Responder (CFR) who has dedicated two decades of voluntary service to the ambulance service has been recognised at the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust’s Stars of EEAST awards.

Quentin Sage was presented with the Keith Marshall Award for Distinguished Service, triumphing over strong competition, including Carol Moss, the oldest CFR in the country.

Named in memory of Keith Marshall, a highly respected and outstanding volunteer, the award honours individuals who exemplify the same spirit of commitment and excellence that Keith brought to EEAST.

Quentin has been one of the driving forces behind the Manningtree First Responders for 20 years, helping the group grow and thrive through his unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment to the team.

His first call out as a CFR was deeply personal, responding to his own mother in cardiac arrest. Tragically, she did not survive. Quentin credits his role as a station manager with Essex Fire and Rescue Service and his experience with traumatic incidents for helping him cope and continue serving his community.

This experience also underscored the vital role CFRs play and the importance of supporting one another after difficult events. Quentin has been a Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) practitioner for the last nine years, offering peer support to fellow responders following traumatic incidents.

Beyond his frontline work, Quentin has been instrumental in training and developing CFRs both within his group and across the region. His strong community ties have enabled him to organise multi-agency training scenarios involving fire, police, and medical teams, fostering collaboration and improving emergency preparedness.

Quentin also brings warmth and camaraderie to the group, regularly organising social events and even cooking Christmas dinners for up to 24 team members.

Quentin’s daughter, Kim, began her journey with the Manningtree First Responders and is now a paramedic with EEAST, a source of immense pride for him.

Quentin Sage said:

“I was genuinely surprised to win, I hadn’t expected it at all given the calibre of the other nominees.

“We started the group over twenty years ago with just 10 or 11 volunteers, and it’s incredible to see how it’s grown to more than 20 active members today.

“Beyond supporting our community during medical emergencies, the group has become a real social hub. Everyone gets along brilliantly, and we regularly hold social events together.”

Neill Moloney, Chief Executive of EEAST, said:

“Quentin is an outstanding example of what it means to serve with compassion, dedication, and community spirit.

“His leadership has helped shape the Manningtree First Responders into a vital and trusted part of the local emergency response network.

“We are proud to honour him with the Keith Marshall Award, a fitting tribute to his remarkable contribution over the past two decades.”

Claire Ruddy, EEAST’s Community Response Manager for Essex, said:

"Quentin is a true example of what a Community First Responder is. He dedicates his free time to giving back to his community, without requiring any praise or thanks. He is extremely humble and is willing to offer his help without question.

“The Manningtree group have many members that represent EEAST in such an incredible way, and I feel privileged to work with Quentin and our CFRs every day."

Join Our Team of Lifesaving Volunteers

EEAST is always looking for compassionate and committed individuals to join our team of Community First Responders.

If you're interested in making a difference in your community and supporting patients in their time of need, we’d love to hear from you. • Apply online to become a Community First Responder on EEAST’s website • For any questions, please contact the team at: volunteer@eastamb.nhs.uk