AN AIR Ambulance doctor has been praised for his dedication in training police officers in live-saving first aid.

Dr Syed Masud took home Doctor of the Year at the Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence 2017.

The medical director for Thames Valley Air Ambulance, who is from Bicester, helped ensure Thames Valley Police officers can give both basic and complex first aid while attending emergencies.

He said: "I am truly humbled to have been nominated by colleagues in the police service and it is an incredible feeling to have won. I am deeply passionate about achieving gold standard patient care which is at the heart of my motivation."

First aid training lead Lynn Cleaver said: "It is my absolute pleasure and honour to have nominated Dr Masud for this award, because it is thanks to his guidance and support, his wisdom, leadership and selfless dedication, that Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary are able to provide the very best outcome for patient’s whilst in our care.

"Providing lifesaving first aid is a critical part of the role of police officers.

"Indeed the first rule of policing is to protect and save life.

"Not only are police officers likely to be the first responder to a medical emergency but they might also be required to administer first aid."

Dr Masud helped to make a big difference to the medical skills of police officers throughout Oxfordshire, who are often the first on the scene when victims need urgent attention.

From putting lifesaving defibrillators and resuscitation equipment in police vehicles to training specialist medics including Counter Terrorism Officers, Dr Masud oversaw improvements across the force.

CEO of Thames Valley Air Ambulance Amanda McLean said: "We put huge emphasis on team work and collaboration to achieve the very best for patient care.

"We are also committed to the development of enhancing the delivery of pre-hospital emergency medicine.

"I am extremely proud that Dr Masud has won this award. It is very well deserved."

The Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence was held on Monday at the Millennium Chelsea Harbour Hotel in London.

BBC News presenter Sophie Long and Helicopter Heroes presenter Rav Wilding handed out 11 Awards to outstanding individuals and teams.

The awards, which are independently judged, went to pilots, paramedics, doctors, fundraisers and volunteers from air ambulance services across the UK.