AN HEROIC ambulance duo who put themselves in danger to try to save a man’s life have been recognised for their exceptional bravery by the First Minister.

Greenock paramedic Eric Daisley and technician Sharon McIntyre were the first on the scene of an horrific murder in Greenock two years ago.

The pair rushed to the 999 call and soon found themselves in the firing line as they tried to resuscitate the victim of a knife attack while violent battles raged around them.

Their courage was recognised at the Braveheart Awards, where they were among only a handful people to receive special medals from Nicola Sturgeon.

Eric, who has been a paramedic in Greenock for 31 years, said: “We were presented with a medal for exceptional bravery.

“It was an extremely dangerous and violent situation.

“At the time you are just trying to make sure that we both come out of it unharmed, watch each other’s back and at the same time trying to do CPR.

“Our lives were at risk and it was very violent.

“We were on our own, which is often the case.

“We are often the first emergency service on the scene and arrive in dangerous situations with very little information.

“You have to adapt to the circumstances you find yourself in.”

Ambulance technician Sharon, who has worked at the Greenock depot for 10 years, added: “It seems like a lifetime when you are pressing that emergency button calling for back up.”

Experienced paramedic Eric says that for under pressure ambulance crews in Inverclyde assaults and abuse are sadly all too often part of the job.

He said: “We often find ourselves in situations where alcohol, knives and drugs are involved.

“I have been assaulted, spat on and abused.

“In a way it comes with the job but that doesn’t mean it is acceptable.”

Eric and Sharon attended a glittering ceremony in Edinburgh Castle to receive recognition as frontline emergency service staff who have gone above and beyond.

The Greenock pair, who were nominated by their general manager, Garry Fraser, were singled out for a St Andrew’s medal for exceptional bravery.

Sharon said: “It was a lovely event and it was great to meet Nicola Sturgeon.

“She was lovely and appreciated what we do.”

Eric and Sharon work flat out with their colleagues and hope their award will highlight the jobs ambulance crews do in very difficult circumstances.

Eric added: “We experience massive highs and massive lows in our job.”