An Ipswich paramedic has gained national recognition for “going beyond the call of duty”.

Paul Gibson won the Paramedic/Emergency Care Practitioner accolade at the Ambulance Service Institute Awards in London for his actions during a flat fire in Maidenhall Approach on December 19 last year.

Emergency services were called to the blaze that engulfed the property and Mr Gibson was the first 999 officer on scene, initially being told there was no-one inside.

He then realised a woman was trapped inside the burning building and decided to enter the flat to help her.

He picked her up, got her out of the flat and started treating her breathing which had deteriorated. Fire officers then helped him take her to the waiting ambulance and she was taken to Ipswich Hospital.

Mr Gibson, who has worked in the ambulance service for seven years, was unable to attend the ceremony but will be presented with his award from trust chief executive Anthony Marsh on his return from leave. The award was collected by Belinda Jackson, who also treated the patient.

Speaking after the incident, Mr Gibson said: “Entering a burning building isn’t a natural thing to do, but I don’t know how I could have lived with myself had I not done so and the woman had died.

“I just did what anyone else would have done.”

Dr Marsh said: “Our staff do a fantastic job day-in, day-out and for Paul to win an award for going above and beyond what we expect is a really proud moment for the trust and of course for me as chief officer as well.”