An Eltham ambulance worker who carried out his role during the Soho Square bombing and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee has retired after 30 years.
David Sleep, 53, of Court Road, was commended at a Westminster ceremony for his three decades of service.
Mr Sleep began his career in 1983 as an ambulance attendant and, after seven years treating patients, he moved to the control room, answering 999 calls.
He met Queen Elizabeth after the Ladbroke Grove train crash in 1998 and attended the Soho nail bombing the following year, where 30 people were injured.
Mr Sleep said: "I do miss helping, caring and supporting people. When I was taking 999 calls, I loved being the first point of contact for patients, giving instructions over the phone to deliver babies, or helping to resuscitate someone and bring them back to life.
"It was a very challenging job and upsetting at times, but extremely rewarding."
Mr Sleep now works for English Heritage at Eltham Palace.
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