The Chief Executive Officer of Ambulance and Rescue and Guernsey’s Chief Ambulance Officer has been presented with the King’s Ambulance Medal (KAM) by the Princess Royal at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. Mark Mapp was named as a recipient of the prestigious award in the King’s Birthday Honours in June last year and was invited to the Royal residence in December.
The KAM was introduced to recognise exceptional service and dedication in the ambulance sector in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Channel Islands. It is part of the UK Honours System, intended to honour individuals who have shown outstanding commitment, leadership, or innovation in their work. It aligns with other awards, such as the King’s Fire Service Medal or the King’s Police Medal, which similarly honour extraordinary contributions within public service professions.
Mr Mapp was accompanied by his wife, son and daughter at the event. He said: “It was a delight to be invited to Windsor Castle for the investiture. I understand that Windsor is used only around four times a year for such events, and the Castle being closed to the public for the day added to the sense of occasion. There were approximately sixty honourees present, and I felt deeply privileged to be among individuals from across the country and the Commonwealth who had been recognised for their outstanding contributions. It was truly fascinating to talk to others and learn about their achievements and the what they do. Before the presentation, we had the privilege of a private tour of the castle, which was both captivating and rich with history, showcasing its grandeur and immense historical significance.”
He added: “The ceremony was nothing like I expected, I thought everyone would be in one room together and we’d be called up one by one, but it is just you and your family, the Princess Royal and her Guards. There was an orchestra playing regal music as you enter the grand reception room, all adding to the occasion. Because I was the last recipient of the day I was there as the orchestra played the National Anthem and Her Royal Highness left the room. I can hardly comprehend the significance of the occasion—it’s only when I look back at the photos that I truly believe I was there and that it actually happened”.
Mark’s connection to St John Guernsey began as a 15-year-old when he joined as a St John Cadet. His ambulance career started at Ambulance and Rescue in 1998, later qualifying as a paramedic. He left full-time employment with the service in 2011 and spent eight years working in various roles at Health and Social Care (HSC) while continuing part-time as a paramedic. Shortly after returning as a senior officer to the ambulance service in 2019 he was appointed as Chief Ambulance Officer.
Mark guided the ambulance service successfully through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and he has been instrumental in the development of the service as part of HSC’s Partnership of Purpose. His focus is on enhancing patient care and compassion, improving quality, delivering clinical excellence and financial stability. He works closely with government and the heads of the other blue light services, ensuring Ambulance and Rescue is prepared to support the islands in all eventualities.
Today, Mark continues to be a registered paramedic and although his main role is to deliver strategic oversight, he remains operational and from time to time works with frontline crews responding to medical emergencies. Mark has also held a number of senior volunteer roles with the St John Guernsey charity and continues to volunteer as a Community First Responder. He also sits on the board of the St John charity. Mark was appointed an Officer of the Order of St John in 2023, he is a member of the College of Paramedics and a committed supporter of the Association of
Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) and The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC).
Talking about what it meant to receive the KAM Mark said: “I am truly honoured I have been fortunate to have worked with so many dedicated individuals committed to delivering care and compassion to islanders in their time of need. Guernsey truly has a remarkable team within the ambulance and health care service, making a difference in people’s lives every day. I am also proud of my long-standing association with St John, where my ambulance career really began, and I hope this award reflects that as well.”
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