Bradford Councillor named Emergency Medical Dispatcher of the year

Aneela Ahmed, who represents the City ward, was given the award by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch as part of their annual UK Navigator Awards.

Cllr Ahmed (Lab), a 999 call handler in the Trust’s Wakefield Emergency Operations Centre, was commended for her great teamwork, professionalism and ability to cope well under pressure.

She has worked for the region’s ambulance service for 22 years and has a wealth of experience in reassuring callers to the 999 service and providing clear direction on what they need to do to help patients prior to the arrival of an ambulance.

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On receiving the award, Cllr Ahmed said: “As an EMD we deal with a multitude of scenarios and I always try to do my very best to help callers whatever situation they are faced with.

"People can be very distressed when calling 999 for ambulance assistance and it’s humbling to receive an award for helping others and doing a job I love.

"I am proud to be taking this award back to Yorkshire – it is for all the staff who work tirelessly in emergency operations centres.”

Ashley Bond, Emergency Operations Centre Team Leader at YAS, said: “Aneela is a role model for all EMDs and sets a standard that newcomers into the service should be aiming to achieve.

"She is so knowledgeable about the ambulance service as a whole, not just within the role she holds as an EMD.

"She isn't afraid to help her colleagues when they are in need and does this in a confident, professional manner.”

This is the third time a Yorkshire Ambulance Service EMD has won the award held by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch during the past six years.

Cllr Ahmed, who lives in Bradford, is a Governor for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust. She is also on the Council's Joint Health and Social Care and Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Fostering Panel.