At an age when most are long retired, Carol Moss is still answering emergency calls, often being the first person on the scene when lives hang in the balance.
At 88 years old, Carol is officially the UK’s oldest volunteer community first responder, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down. Volunteering with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), she clocks up more than 260 hours each month, responding to emergencies across her local area.
“I never imagined I would still be volunteering after 23 years,” she said.
“But I love it. Every call is a chance to help someone in need, and that is what keeps me going.”
A Lifesaver in the Community
Carol began volunteering over two decades ago, following her retirement as a teacher. Since then, she’s responded to over 1,000 emergency calls, offering critical first aid and reassurance while ambulance crews make their way to the scene.
Her knowledge, compassion and steady presence have made her a pillar of the local response team, often arriving at homes, roadside incidents, or community spaces within minutes to assess patients and begin treatment.
Recognised for Her Service
In 2023, Carol’s remarkable dedication earned her the Community Champion award, presented by her local MP James Cartlidge.
“Carol is an inspiration to us all,” said Lorna Hayes, head of community response at EEAST.
“Her unwavering commitment, compassion and resilience has saved lives and brought comfort to countless families.”
A Quiet Hero With a Big Impact
Despite her age, Carol Moss remains on call nearly every day, serving as a beacon of calm and care when emergencies strike. In just the first five months of 2025, she’s already donated more than 1,300 hours of her time, a pace that would be impressive at any age.
She doesn’t do it for praise or medals. As Carol puts it:
“Helping people. That’s why I started, and that’s why I’m still here.”
