BASICS Devon volunteers, the specialist volunteers delivering emergency pre-hospital care and vital life-saving education, are to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, the Award shines a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK. It is equivalent to the MBE for individuals.

This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Groups of volunteers are nominated by others each autumn and subject to both a local and national assessment. The winners are announced on the King’s birthday, Friday, November 14.

BASICS Devon is one of 231 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year, just four awarded in Devon.

Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. This year, 2025, marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as a group of dog walkers clearing up their local area in Kincardineshire; a group providing unique flying experiences for people with disabilities in Hampshire. A group providing support to veterans and their families across Welsh Valley communities; a group running a museum and nonprofit railway In Belfast, preserving Northern Ireland's railway heritage.

Representatives of BASICS Devon will receive the award crystal and certificate from David Fursdon, Lord-Lieutenant of Devon in the coming months.

Mr David Fursdon, the Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, said: “I am delighted that volunteers in four Devon organisations have received this prestigious award. Their continuing achievements are outstanding examples of the many people in Devon who volunteer in a wide range of activities and provide invaluable service to our community.”

In addition, two volunteers from BASICS Devon will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

BASICS Devon has received the award as they show exceptional standards of volunteering, innovation, and impact giving their time to save lives, now and over the last 33 years since BASICS Devon was established!

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”

BASICS Devon support communities across Devon - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Comprised of highly trained volunteer medics, BASICS Devon responds to some of the most serious medical emergencies supporting the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. From road traffic collisions on rural lanes to cardiac arrests in remote villages, the charity’s clinicians bring immediate care directly to the scene — often arriving before an ambulance.

This year so far, the 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, 7 obstetric emergencies, and six stabbings or shootings. Beyond that, they’ve 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.

Operating entirely through public donations and local fundraising, BASICS Devon receives no government funding. The charity is currently appealing for community support in their Big Give Christmas Challenge from December 2 to 9 where, for one week only, thanks to pledgers and Reed Foundation, all donations will be doubled!

This campaign will help keep their emergency responders on the road, delivering immediate care and lifesaving equipment and education, especially in the most remote and vulnerable communities throughout Devon, where a hospital can be over an hour away.

To donate or learn more about BASICS Devon’s work, visit: www.basics-devon.org.uk or follow @BASICSDevon on social media.

Other Devon recipients are Bob the Bus, a community bus operating in Totnes and surrounding rural areas; Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled, a unique equestrian facility in the South Hams area of Devon that strives to give disabled people of all ages the opportunity to both enjoy the sheer exhilaration and the therapeutic benefits of horse riding and equestrian association, in a safe and structured environment; Rainbow Living, a volunteer-led charity providing accommodation for adults with learning disabilities in five homes in Exeter and Torquay, building solutions which give learning disabled adults their potential through hope, choice and skills.