Member Article

Crystal Peaks wins Innovation of the Year prize at national awards

Crystal Peaks shopping centre has received a major industry award for its pioneering life-saver project with Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

The Sheffield shopping mall and retail park has linked with Yorkshire Ambulance Service to train colleagues as Community First Responders, meaning they are able to provide vital care, comfort and reassurance in medical emergencies before an ambulance arrives on scene.

A three-day CFR training course, run by Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation, operating a defibrillator, administering oxygen and assessing a patient’s condition to decide whether an ambulance is required.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service has also provided Crystal Peaks with an additional new defibrillator, adding to the total number available within the centre.

And at The SCEPTRE Awards 2023 - recognising the best practice and people in the shopping centre industry - Crystal Peaks was named winner of the Innovation of the Year prize.

The awards ceremony, held at the Hilton London Bankside Hotel, is the pre-eminent accolade in the shopping centre industry, putting the spotlight on management teams, retailers and suppliers that demonstrate real excellence.

The judges commented: “With an impressive relationship with Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Crystal Peaks have demonstrated their knack for innovation.

“Five employees have already completed training to become Community First Responders, ensuring they are prepared for any incidents at the Centre.”

Centre manager Lee Greenwood commented: “We are delighted that our relationship with Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been recognised at this national level.

“The most important thing for us is the safety and wellbeing of our shoppers and staff.

“We already have a number of first aiders amongst our team and this training means that we now have people with enhanced skills on site should they be needed.

“In the future, we expect that more colleagues will participate in the CFR training, to enhance our preparedness for any emergencies that occur.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Highfield .