Senior paramedic honoured at Windsor Castle with King’s Ambulance Service Medal
Date: 17 November 2025Senior Paramedic Lee Umpleby has been awarded the prestigious King’s Ambulance Service Medal in recognition of his exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to the community over the past 20 years.
Lee received the medal during a ceremony at Windsor Castle last month, marking a career that has combined frontline paramedic work with an unwavering commitment to public education and community care.
Since joining the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), Lee has made a lasting impact on Canvey Island and beyond. In 2009, he took on a leadership role with the Canvey Island Community First Responders (CFRs), growing the team from just two volunteers to 12 active members who now respond to around 60 emergency calls each month.
Under Lee’s guidance, the CFRs have trained more than 7,000 people in life-saving skills, including over 3,000 secondary school students at Castle View and Cornelius Vermuyden schools. His efforts have helped embed vital emergency response knowledge across the community.
Reflecting on the honour, Lee said:
“I’m incredibly proud and humbled to receive the King’s Ambulance Medal. It’s a privilege to work alongside such dedicated colleagues at EEAST and with the Canvey Island First Responders, who consistently go above and beyond for our community.
“I’d especially like to thank my great friend and long-time crewmate, Jack Broomfield, whose support has been invaluable to both me and the group. I also want to recognise the incredible people of Canvey Island – our work simply wouldn’t be possible without their unwavering support.”
The King’s Ambulance Service Medal is awarded to ambulance professionals who demonstrate distinguished service and exceptional contribution to their communities.
