A paramedic from Worcester Park, who witnessed the 1975 Brixton riots while on duty, has been recognised for his 40 years of service.

David Amer, 60, was commended by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) during a ceremony in Westminster earlier this month, following his retirement after 42 years.

The father-of-two, who joined LAS in 1972, said: “Over the years I’ve been to every kind of incident including stabbings, shootings, crashes and births.

“I liked the excitement of not knowing what I was going to next and not knowing what the day ahead would hold.

“I gave 110 per cent to the ambulance service and have no regrets.”

Mr Amer was posted to Battersea ambulance station in 1975, attending both the Brixton riots of that year and the bombing at the Chelsea Barracks in Westminster in 1981.

He recalled one moment when the ambulance he was travelling in was attacked by rioters.

After years on the front-line, Mr Amer took a control room training course and began answering 999 calls.

Also being commended alongside Mr Amer was Chris English, 56, who retired after was 26 years’ service, including 10 years in Tolworth.

Mr English said: “An incident I remember was when we were called to a fire in November 1996.

“Firefighters handed us the bodies of two children, who were effectively dead. We worked on both of them and managed to get them back and they were at home with their families for Christmas.

“It’s cases like that where I think I must have made a difference, which is very rewarding.”

London Ambulance Service Chairman Richard Hunt said: “We were incredibly proud to recognise these staff for their bravery and dedication. Their commitment over the years has ensured that Londoners get the very best urgent and emergency medical care.”

l Do you know an unsung hero? Call the newsdesk on 020 8744 4273 or email jon.sharman@london.

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