West Essex paramedic receives Community Service Medal
Date: 20 March 2026A paramedic from west Essex has received a Community Service Medal in recognition of his leadership and patient care.
Caspar Headland, a paramedic team leader in the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), was presented with the medal by Epping Forest District Council's Chairman Louise Mead and Epping Forest MP Dr Neil Hudson at the council's Civic Awards on 13 March.
Caspar has been a paramedic team leader at EEAST for 18 months, and during that time has worked with his colleagues to embed the role in other parts of the region.
In awarding Caspar the medal, Epping Forest DC said that he has "shown a strong commitment to both patient care and the wellbeing of frontline ambulance staff". In his new role, he has "ensured ambulance staff are listened to, supported, and quickly referred for help when they need it, significantly improving team health and resilience."
Prior to his career in the ambulance service, Caspar worked in the banking sector. Driven by a desire to help the public in a healthcare role, he joined EEAST as an Ambulance Support Worker, before doing paramedic training at London Ambulance Service.
He returned to EEAST 12 years ago, working out of Harlow ambulance station as a paramedic on ambulances and rapid response vehicles.
Caspar said: "I feel very humbled to receive this medal. As ambulance clinicians, we often hear patients say 'thank you', but we don't always stop to take that in or fully accept it. I genuinely feel that patients do appreciate the care we give, our kindness, and being there for them at a time when they are at their most vulnerable.
"The paramedic team leader role is less about formal teaching and more about creating the space for people to open up and talk about what's concerning them. I see a big part of the role as listening, supporting where I can, and helping colleagues navigate challenges in what can be a very challenging job."
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Photo caption: EEAST paramedic team leader Caspar Headland receiving his Community Service Medal from Epping Forest District Council chairman Louise Mead and local MP Dr Neil Hudson (credit: Epping Forest DC)
