Award-winning paramedic joins crew

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An award-winning Caterham paramedic who helped introduce medical packs to protect evidence of serious and sexual attacks has joined the Air Ambulance.

 

Father-of-two Stuart Plumbley, 45, of Park Road, pioneered the use of a fibreless gown to preserve uncontaminated evidence such as blood, saliva and hair from victims’ clothing.

 

The customised kit, which also includes stretcher covers and sealed forensic bags, prevents ambulances being taken off the road while they are swabbed by police.

 

Stuart received a commendation from Surrey Police in 2005 and the scheme has proved such a success it has been rolled out in Sweden and Spain.

 

He has now joined the Surrey Air Ambulance at its Marden headquarters but will also be working out of the Dunsfold base near Cranleigh.

 

He said: “For me, the reason I came here was the opportunity to work with the doctors and expand my clinical knowledge.

 

“Working for a helicopter emergency medical service, your knowledge of skills will be used to used to the full.

 

“It’s only now that I realise the quality of care and expertise that an aircraft brings to patients.

 

“I am very proud and privileged to be part of a fantastic team of clinicians and support staff who work so very hard to bring the service together.“

 

Stuart is a former coach driver and glazing contractor who joined South East Coast Ambulance Service as an ambulance technician in 1997.

 

He qualified as a Critical Care Paramedic at the University of Hertfordshire last year and has joined the Surrey Air Ambulance on a three-year secondment.

 

Partner Vikki also works for the South East Coast Ambulance Service as an ambulance technician at Caterham Ambulance Station.