AFTER his help at a near drowning incident, a Great Western Air Ambulance doctor has been nominated for a top accolade.

Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) critical care doctor, Patrick Morgan - known as Paddy - has been shortlisted for this year’s Air Ambulance Awards for the Doctor of the Year award.

GWAAC provides the critical care and air ambulance service for 2.1 million people across the South West, including Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire.

Dr Morgan has been nominated for taking control at the scene at a recent incident involving a near drowning.

Specialist paramedic in critical care, Charli Watkins, who was on scene with him that day said: “Paddy managed to successfully turn around the mind-set of the pre-hospital team, whilst simultaneously juggling contact with multiple people and agencies on and off scene.

"His exceptional leadership style meant appropriate clinical interventions were quickly implemented, and the pace kept up, but he remained professional, calm and friendly throughout.

“Paddy is a very humble man.

"In his team’s opinion, his decision-making that day truly saved the patient’s life, but he does not see it this way, merely stating that he did his job.”

GWAAC CEO, Anna Perry, said: “We are so excited that Paddy has been shortlisted for this award, and it is a well-deserved nomination indeed.

"Every critical care doctor and specialist paramedic at the charity is so dedicated and hardworking, day in day out, so it’s great to see a nomination come through for their efforts.

"The whole team is behind Paddy and wishing him the best of luck.”

The charity’s crew attend the most critical incidents across the region by helicopter or by one of their two critical care cars.

When someone is seriously ill or injured time is of the essence, and they need expert help fast.

The GWAAC critical care team consists of a highly trained and experienced pilot, a specialist paramedic in critical care and a critical care doctor.

From emergency blood transfusions to roadside amputations or treating cardiac arrests, their crew specialise in pre-hospital emergency medicine and trauma medicine, bringing the skills and expertise of an accident and emergency department to the patient.

As a charity they need to raise over £3 million each year to stay operational, but receive no day to day funding from the Government or National Lottery.

This means they rely on the generosity of their donors and supporters to stay operational.

GWAAC are eagerly awaiting the results and have their fingers crossed for Dr Morgan. The awards take place Wednesday, October 24.