Devon’s life-saving volunteer heroes honoured with the King’s Award

Emergency first responder charity BASICS Devon has been named as the recipient of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award a voluntary group can receive.

The service was set up 33 years ago and provides a network of volunteer doctors who attend medical emergencies and incidents across the county, often in remote areas where vital pre-hospital care can mean the difference between life and death.

Available 24 hours a day, the volunteer medics respond in their own time to some of the most serious medical incidents, often arriving before an ambulance is on scene and able to give specialist emergency care straightaway.

READ NEXT: BASICS Devon fast response doctors - there when you need them most

The King’s Award is considered equivalent to an MBE, recognising outstanding work by local volunteer organisations and BASICS Devon is one of 231 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.  

Representatives of BASICS Devon will receive the award crystal and certificate from David Fursdon, the Lord-Lieutenant of Devon in the coming months. In addition, two of its volunteers will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

Robert Horton, chair of BASICS Devon said: “This recognition is a tremendous tribute to our dedicated team of volunteers who give their time and expertise to support patients and emergency services across Devon, often in the most challenging circumstances.

“Every call-out represents a moment when someone in our community is facing their worst day, and our volunteers’ step forward, day and night to bring emergency care to the scene.

“This award reflects not only their professionalism and selflessness, but also the invaluable support we receive from our families, partners in the emergency services, and our supporters and donors across Devon. Every penny raised goes towards our delivery of voluntary service.

“On behalf of the trustees, I want to thank everyone who plays a part in making our work possible.”

READ NEXT: Car crash survivor who learned to walk again taking on sponsored trek for lifesavers

This year so far, the BASICS Devon team has responded swiftly to 321 emergencies — 111 of them at night — covering more than 4,500 miles to save lives.

They were first on scene in 40% of incidents, responding to 94 road traffic collisions, 68 cardiac arrests, 10 psychiatric crises, seven obstetric emergencies and six stabbings or shootings.

Beyond that, they have answered 136 other desperate calls for help, from burns and drownings to urgent medical and trauma cases — each one a moment when every second counted.

The charity is run solely through public donations or local fundraising. To donate or learn more about BASICS Devon’s work, visit https://www.basics-devon.org.uk or follow @BASICSDevon on social media.