BOLTON'S first ever paramedic has completed a remarkable rise through the ranks of Greater Manchester Ambulance Service (GMAS) by being put in charge of its day-to-day running.

Derek Cartwright, who lives in Horwich, has been appointed director of operations for the service -- the second busiest in Britain answering more than 800 emergency calls a day.

Mr Cartwright, aged 41, has seen some dramatic changes in the role of the ambulance service since joining as a part-time patient transport assistant at Blackrod in 1986.

By 1990 he was part of the first group of GMAS staff to qualify for paramedic status.

Mr Cartwright said: "I'm very proud of the fact that I was Bolton's first ever paramedic. It was very much a defining time in the ambulance service, when we began to be seen not just as drivers but as real healthcare professionals with skills and knowledge.

"I am delighted to have been given this new role. I think my career history in GMAS is a clear demonstration that anything is possible if you work hard with good people."

An eventful career has seen him play a key role in Manchester's response to the 1996 IRA bombing while working as a manager at Belle Vue ambulance control room.

And Mr Cartwright had to don a bullet-proof vest to help tend to casualties after three men sprayed bullets at passers-by during a 100 mph police chase through Bolton, Bury and Rochdale in 1999.

He also took a special role in planning and providing emergency care during the Millennium celebrations -- GMAS's busiest ever time when 2,500 calls were made to control rooms in the space of just 36 hours.

Three years ago he was promoted to general manager with responsibility for the paramedic emergency service.

Mr Cartwright, who has four children, said: "I am confident that we can continue to improve the patient experience for everyone in Greater Manchester.

GMAS chief executive John Burnside said: "We are delighted that Derek has been appointed and look forward to working with him at board level."