Paramedic who mentored countless students awarded King's Ambulance Medal

A Scottish Ambulance Service paramedic who has mentored hundreds of students and staff over a 39-year career has been awarded the King’s Ambulance Medal (KAM) in the Birthday Honours.

Colin Brown, of Kilwinning Ambulance Station, has received the prestigious honour, which recognises staff who have displayed exceptional devotion to duty.

Colin, 61, has been recognised for his passionate mentoring over nearly four decades, many of whom are now qualified practitioners and clinical team leaders.

He joined the Service in 1987 as an Ambulance Care Assistant in Ayr, before qualifying as a Technician two years later. After spending 10 years in Largs, he moved to Kilwinning to become a Paramedic, where he has remained since.

Colin, who lives in Prestwick, said of receiving the award: “It was so unexpected and completely out of the blue. I thought someone was having me on. It’s a great honour for someone just doing their job.

“Working and mentoring new staff and students is just something I’ve enjoyed. It’s nice to pass on a little bit of knowledge and hopefully guide them in some way and we can learn from them as well.”

The dad-of-one said it was the small things during his career that stand out.

He said: “Talking to people is what I love most – you can learn so much and see so much. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, it could just be helping someone in their life, be there to listen to them, and be there for them.”

Since starting, Colin said the biggest differences have been improvements in equipment and pathways, adding: “It’s a totally different job from the late 80s to now, but the biggest maybe is the pathways we can use now to get better help to patients and their families.”

SAS Chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “A gifted clinician and an exceptional role model, Colin has made a profound contribution to the development of future paramedics across Scotland. As a mentor and CAVA Assessor, he has guided countless students through their training with patience, unassuming leadership, and unwavering encouragement.

“Colin’s mentorship extends far beyond clinical teaching. His kindness, calmness under pressure, and genuine care for the wellbeing of others create a supportive environment in which students flourish.

"His quiet acts of generosity, ability to turn difficult situations into learning opportunities, and deep respect for patients set a standard to which others aspire. He is fully deserving of this accolade and a wonderful ambassador for the Scottish Ambulance Service.”