PARAMEDICS have been honoured with a special award for going above and beyond the call of duty at the scene of a horrific car crash.

Richard Drozd and Deborah Bays were working together in August last year when they came across the serious crash on the A120 at Great Bromley.

A drink driver on the wrong side of the road had smashed into a car being driven by pensioner Ron Scannell with wife, Linda, in the passenger seat.

The crew had a patient on board but pulled over and performed CPR on Mr Scannell until further help arrived.

Sadly the 72-year-old, who lives in Kirby Cross, died as a result of his injuries.

Mrs Scannell suffered a broken arm and wrist, six broken ribs and a tear to the liver in the collision.

The medics also provided care to the drink driver Harrison Stokley, 25, who was also hurt in the crash.

Stokley admitted causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.

He had driven his Skoda Octavia the wrong way down the road after missing a turning given to him by his sat-nav while trying to travel home to Goldhanger Road, Maldon, after a party.

Last month he was jailed for four years and four months at Ipswich Crown Court and also banned from driving for more than four years.

The paramedics were awarded the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust award for care at the Special Contribution awards.

The awards ceremony, held at Anglia Ruskin University’s Faculty of Medical Science in Chelmsford, welcomed more than 400 staff, volunteers, families, friends and guests to celebrate their achievements.

The crew were also honoured for their dedication on a separate incident when they carried out an urgent journey between Colchester General Hospital and Luton so a mother could be with her gravely ill baby.

Both worked through the night and well over their 12 hour shift to ensure mum and baby were reunited.

After the awards ceremony, trust chief executive Robert Morton hailed all staff members for their dedication.

He said: “None of the progress we have made in the past or will make in the future is possible without the compassion, commitment and contribution of all of our people, whether they be directors, managers, staff or volunteers supporting their communities.

“We also know that what they do is simply not possible without the support they receive from their families and loved ones.

“These people tirelessly support and encourage their loved ones and our colleagues which means they can do what they do best, support the community.”

Ambulance staff were also honoured for 20, 25, and 35 years of time in the job and the Queen’s Medal for long service and good conduct.