A RESERVIST who introduced a dressing which saved the lives of Colchester soldiers has been awarded for his efforts.

Major Robert Dawes, who served with the town’s 16 Medical Regiment in Afghanistan earlier this year, was named healthcare reservist of the year at the Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards (MCHPA).

The new device, a blizzard heat pack, helped keep patients warm and prevented bleeding from their injuries.

He also introduced new airway equipment and new blood clotting dressings - crucial in raising the survival rates of those shot or hit by an improvised explosive device.

See the full story in today's Gazette.