A paramedic from Sittingbourne has been awarded for her courage and quick thinking during a violent incident outside the Queen’s Head pub in Boughton-under-Blean.
Emma Bareham, a Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) paramedic with nearly seven years of experience, was en route to a callout in March when she was flagged down by a car carrying a man with severe stab wounds. Despite the chaotic and potentially dangerous situation, Emma managed to provide critical care under extreme pressure.
The victim, Adam Pritchard, a father of three, had been fatally stabbed by William Cosier, who has since been jailed for life for the murder.
Critical Scene Management
Adam Pritchard was driven away from the scene of the stabbing by two men in a desperate attempt to get help. Emma encountered the car and stopped to assist, immediately calling her team leader for guidance. However, the severity of the injuries required her to act on-site.
Despite the chaos and risks, Emma controlled the situation, enlisting others in the car to retrieve medical equipment from her vehicle. Tragically, despite her efforts, Adam Pritchard could not be saved.
Recognition for Courage
At an awards ceremony hosted by the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) on November 7, Emma received the Acting with Courage Chief Executive Commendation. This prestigious award honors bravery and fairness in service delivery.
HART team leader Martin Stamp praised Emma for her exceptional composure, saying, “She was on her own in a traumatic, chaotic situation with personal risk involved, yet she created order out of chaos and provided the highest level of care.”
Emma’s Reflection
Speaking after the ceremony, Emma expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s a real privilege to be recognized alongside such amazing colleagues. I’m incredibly proud to work with a team that shows such dedication, courage, and compassion every day.”
Celebrating Dedication in Ambulance Services
The event, held in Maidstone, also honoured 20 ambulance workers for long service and good conduct, with awards recognizing 20 and 30 years of NHS service. Volunteers were celebrated for a decade of dedication.
SECAmb chief executive Simon Weldon commended all honorees, saying, “I am in awe of the great work that takes place across our patch daily. I am deeply grateful for the dedication of every member of staff and volunteer who provides invaluable service to our communities.”
Legacy of Service
The awards highlighted not only Emma’s remarkable bravery but also the ongoing dedication of healthcare workers across Kent and the South East, whose contributions often go unrecognized. Emma’s actions serve as a testament to the commitment and resilience of frontline emergency responders.
