RNLI Clinical Operations Manager Paul Savage, who developed a pioneering casualty care course for lifesavers, was one of four of our people recognised in HM The Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

Paul (pictured above) – who is also a volunteer lifeboat crew member – headed to Buckingham Palace in February to receive his honour: an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). ‘I'm thrilled yet humbled to be honoured in this way,’ said Paul, whose Casualty Care course has revolutionised search and rescue medicine for the RNLI. Other emergency services are now adopting the same approach.

The course has pioneered the use of check cards rather than memory, meaning crew members and lifeguards can quickly assess casualties and provide the most appropriate treatment. And because RNLI crew members and lifeguards come from all walks of life, the training does not rely on a medical background.

Legacy Income Manager Sue Fernley has also been celebrating after being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Legacies account for 60% of our income every year, and Sue’s role requires skill, diplomacy, sensitivity, and a lot of unpaid work. It’s time that she cheerfully puts in for the sake of the charity – and for bereaved families. Sue (below, left) has also been leader of the local Brownie troop for 30 years.

'Sue is the embodiment of charitable service,’ says Paul Boissier, RNLI Chief Executive. ‘She is one of the people who quietly, and without fanfare, contributes massively to the wellbeing of her community.’

Port Isaac Lifeboat Press Officer and Station Chairman Bob Bulgin has been recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM). In his 6 years as a volunteer, Bob (above) has raised RNLI funds and awareness by organising events and working with the local media to report the crew's lifesaving rescues. Tom Mansell, RNLI Divisional Operations Manager, says: ‘Bob provides wisdom, support, humour and advice in appropriate measure. People like Bob are the lifeblood of our charity.’

Congratulations also go to Lesley Waite, the Treasurer at Morecambe Lifeboat Station, who was recognised with a BEM – in part for her volunteering work with the RNLI.