RCUK Resuscitation Awards

The RCUK Resuscitation Awards recognise outstanding contributions to resuscitation across the UK and internationally.

They celebrate individuals whose dedication, leadership and commitment have made a meaningful difference to patient outcomes, public awareness, education and best practice in saving lives and providing appropriate CPR.

The RCUK Resuscitation Awards bring together our different awards into one shared programme of recognition.

  • Honorary Membership
  • President's Awards
  • Excellence in Resuscitation Awards

Each award plays a distinct role in recognising excellence, service and impact across the resuscitation community.
 

Nominations are now open.

Honorary Membership recognises individuals who have made an exceptional, significant and sustained contribution to resuscitation or to the work of RCUK over many years.

This award is reserved for those whose contributions go above and beyond their salaried role, and whose influence can be demonstrated at a national or international level.

Who can be nominated? 

Nominees will usually be individuals who can demonstrate:

  • evidence of significant and sustained leadership and contributions to resuscitation through practice, research, education, or patient care at a national or international level
  • a clear and measurable impact, at a national or international level on: 
    • improving patient outcomes
    • raising public awareness
    • promoting best practice in saving lives
  • a long standing commitment to advancing resuscitation or supporting the mission and work of Resuscitation Council UK.

How can I make a nomination?

  • Only full members of RCUK may submit nominations for Honorary Membership.
  • Eligible members will be contacted directly by email when nominations open.
  • Application links and guidance will be provided within that email.
  • Nominations must be submitted via the official process to be considered.

Recipients of Honorary Membership receive:

  • a certificate of recognition
  • a complimentary ticket to RCUK’s Instructor Day
  • free full membership to RCUK for life
  • free ERC membership for life
  • a pin badge
  • a citation on the RCUK website.

The President's Awards, is our newly created category to recognise individuals who have made an exceptional and sustained contribution to resuscitation or Resuscitation Council UK at a local or national level.

These awards celebrate leadership, service and commitment that have had a meaningful impact within communities, organisations or regions, and which align closely with RCUK’s values and objectives.

Who can be nominated?

Nominees will usually be individuals who can demonstrate:

  • evidence of significant leadership and contributions to resuscitation through practice, research, education, or patient care at a local or regional level
  • tangible impact at a local or regional level, through:
    • improving patient outcomes
    • raising public awareness
    • promoting best practice in saving lives
  • a strong contribution to resuscitation activity or RCUK work within their region or local setting.

How can I make a nomination?

  • Nominations are open to full members and associate members of RCUK.
  • Eligible members will be invited by email to submit nominations.
  • Full criteria and application links will be included in the email invitation.
  • Only nominations submitted through the official process will be accepted.

Recipients of the President's Awards receive:

  • a certificate of recognition
  • a complimentary ticket to RCUK’s Instructor Day.

These awards honour resuscitation greats who devoted their lives and work to the field, by spotlighting those who are continuing their legacies today. Award themes have been developed in close collaboration with the families of those being honoured.

Recipients of the Excellence in Resuscitation Awards receive:

  • A certificate of recognition.
  • Complimentary ticket to RCUK’s Instructor Day.
  • An invitation to sit as an observer on an RCUK subcommittee of their choice.

Categories: 

Peter Baskett Mentor Award 

Photo of Peter Baskett

Peter Baskett was one of the world’s leading figures and pioneers in the field of resuscitation. He was one of the founding members of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and was Chair from 1989 to 1994. He was Editor-in-Chief of the journal Resuscitation from 1997 until his death in 2008. During his decades-long career, he was a dedicated mentor to many across the health and social care professions.  

To honour his contributions and work, this award will be presented annually to someone who has proven to be an exemplary mentor and has shown commitment to driving the mission and vision of RCUK. 

Sam Richmond NLS Nursing and Midwifery Award

Photo of Sam Richmond

Sam Richmond was a champion for inclusive training for all staff involved in neonatal care, developing an international reputation in the field. Alongside his career at Sunderland Royal Hospital, he chaired the NLS committees within RCUK and the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and co-chaired the neonatal task force of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, evaluating evidence and writing guidelines. 

This award looks to honour nurses and midwives who have shown exceptional work in the field of newborn life support. 

Judith George Unsung Hero of Immediate Care Award

Photo of Judith George

Dr Judith George was a recognised leader in the field of pre-hospital care and was a founding Chair of RCUK. She had a wealth of experience in international medical education, with a focus on the preparation of medical practitioners and the wider community to prevent, research, manage and recover from major incidents and disasters. Judith was always passionate about supporting those who excelled but would otherwise not put themselves forward for recognition. 

This award will honour someone working in immediate care who deserves more recognition for their work. 

Who can be nominated?

Anyone who works in resuscitation and meets the criteria of the individual awards.

How can I make a nomination?

If you know someone you believe deserves one of these awards, complete the form below to submit them for consideration. Please ensure you have the consent of the person you are nominating. You may nominate up to two people by submitting your nominations no later than 17:00 on Friday 19 June 2026.

Image
RCUK and award winner at the Guidelines conference

 

The winners of the 2025 Excellence in Resuscitation Awards, who were presented with a certificate at Resuscitation Council UK's Guidelines 25 conference. Read more about our 2025 winners.

Excellence in Resuscitation Award Nomination

Alternatively, you can choose to either submit a video response. If you choose to submit via video, we advise keeping it under two minutes. Please also send your video via a WeTransfer link. All you will need to do is upload your field, select ‘get a link’ and share this link with us through email at projects@resus.org.uk.

Winners of the awards will be announced at RCUK’s Instructor Day 2026 in Birmingham on 24 November 2026.  

If you have any questions about these awards, please email projects@resus.org.uk