A teenager has won recognition for his efforts in supporting a Wiltshire air ambulance charity.

Ethan Ross-Smith, aged 15, was named Young Person of the Year at Air Ambulances UK's 2024 Awards of Excellence.

Since 2023, Ethan has been involved with the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC), where his father, Tim Ross-Smith, serves as operations officer.

His contributions over the past year include abseiling from the roof of Ashton Gate Stadium and role-playing as a casualty in a photoshoot to raise awareness.

He has also volunteered at large events on non-school days, including Bristol Volksfest, South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust’s (SWASfT) open day at Staverton, and the Weston-super-Mare Emergency Services Day.

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He said: "It just makes me feel happy to get the information out there and show people what we do and why we do it.

"We do it for them."

He encourages other young people to volunteer, saying: "It’s a load of fun, you get to meet lots of new people, make friends, and it’s a great experience."

His father, Tim Ross-Smith, said: "My wife Liz and I are hugely proud of the young man Ethan has become and the efforts that he has put into volunteering for GWAAC.

"His enthusiasm is infectious and his knowledge is incredible.

"His help and support have been invaluable in a year when GWAAC has surpassed its previous busiest year on record."

GWAAC also won the Breaking Barriers award at the ceremony for its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The charity has been working to make defibrillators available to those who need them the most in its region.

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These include areas affected by marginalisation, such as ethnicities and socio-economic status, leading to higher health inequalities.

Carlota Appleby, GWAAC’s public education coordinator, said: "I feel very proud of the team effort that has gone into this project.

"GWAAC has now installed 130 public access defibrillators to date, and a significant percentage have been in areas of socio-economic deprivation.

"Because of this, we have also been able to teach lifesaving CPR and defibrillation skills to the schools and communities in these areas, which means more people will have the confidence to help someone who is suffering a cardiac arrest."

Simmy Akhtar, chief executive of Air Ambulances UK, expressed her appreciation for all the 2024 Awards of Excellence winners.

The annual awards celebrate and recognise the dedicated professionals who tirelessly contribute their specialist lifesaving skills and unwavering commitment to the air ambulance community.