Honours for medical staff who helped after attacks

A PARAMEDIC who was among the first to arrive at the scene of the Southport stabbing last summer has been honoured by the King alongside other NHS staff for their response to the tragedy.

- BY ELLIE CRABBE

Paul Smith, a senior paramedic team leader, provided immediate care at the scene where Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, were killed and 10 others injured during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July 2024.

Mr Smith, an employee of the North West Ambulance Service, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to the Merseyside community after 'he put the needs of the injured before his own safety,' the NHS said.

Dr George Bramham, another first responder, also received the same honour.