CELEBRATIONS Lifesaver Tony’s royal honour

AN AMBULANCE worker who has taught more than 20,000 volunteers basic life support skills has received royal recognition for his actions.

Community First Responder (CFR) Officer Tony Rosetti, from Bridgend, said he was “truly honoured” to be awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.

Prince Charles presented him with the medal during a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace, after he was named in the Queen’s June Birthday Honours List.

Tony has been part of the ambulance service for 32 years and has dedicated his career to growing the number of CFR volunteers in Wales.

He is also a leading contributor to the PONT charity, which helps the poorest communities in Uganda, and has delivered lifesaving training for health workers in the Mbale district.

Tony, who attended the ceremony with his wife Julie, mother Kath and son Gino, said he accepted the award on behalf of his family, friends and colleagues.

“Of all people it is my family that deserve this for their unconditional love, support and patience over the past 32 years,” he said.

“It was a further honour to represent the distinguished ranks of past and present colleagues, all of whom have made important contributions throughout their careers. It was also a true privilege to represent CFRs from across Wales, who do such an incredible job and are true unsung heroes.

“I also have to mention my PONT charity friends, who I cannot thank enough for inspiring me to do what I can to help empower our friends in Uganda.”

Tony began teaching lifesaving skills in the 1980s when he supported Dr Richard Lewis with the Save a Life campaign.

Since then, he has trained more than 20,000 volunteers in basic life support and the effective use of a defibrillator.

His contribution to first response care has also been recognised by the British Heart Foundation. In 2003, the charity made him the first paramedic in the UK to be funded to carry out his role.

Tony has also been involved in the launch of a Welsh Government-funded initiative to improve public access to defibrillators.