Simon’s achievement marks a significant milestone not only in his personal development but also in the growing professionalism of the LEMR scheme, which continues to strengthen its operational readiness and community support capabilities across Lincolnshire.
The CERAD qualification is a nationally recognized standard for emergency response driving, equipping participants with advanced skills in vehicle control, risk assessment, and safe driving under pressure. Delivered by EMAS instructors, the course at Oak House combines classroom learning with practical, scenario-based training tailored to real-world emergency conditions.
Simon Barr said of the experience:
“Completing the CERAD course has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. The training at Oak House was top-notch as always, and I’m proud to bring these skills back to LEMR to support our mission of rapid, safe, and effective response in times of need.”
LEMR Ops Manager, Matt Bailey added:
“Simon’s success reflects the high standards we’re striving for within LEMR. His commitment to excellence and community service is an inspiration to our team and a testament to the value of collaboration with professional services like EMAS.”
As LEMR continues to expand its capabilities and partnerships, Simon’s qualification sets a precedent for future members seeking to enhance their emergency response credentials.
The CERAD driving course refers to the Certificate in Emergency Response Advanced Driving course. It is a nationally recognized qualification for driving ambulances under emergency(blue light) conditions.
This course is designed for individuals working or intending to work in NHS ambulance services or affiliated emergency care roles. Here’s a breakdown of what it involves:
🚑 What CERAD Covers
•Emergency and routine ambulance driving: Learners are trained to drive safely and legally under both normal and emergency conditions.
•Legal exemptions: The qualification allows drivers to claim exemptions under the Road Traffic Act, such as passing red lights or exceeding speed limits when responding to emergencies.
•High-speed driver training compliance: Meets Department for Transport regulations for emergency vehicle operation.
📚 Course Structure
Duration: Typically 17 days (or 4 weeks depending on provider), with both theory and practical sessions. Units Covered:
• Traffic legislation and signs
• Driver behavior and pre-driving checks
• Advanced manoeuvres and braking systems
• Driving in adverse weather and darkness
• Emergency convoy driving and safe overtaking
Special Thanks to EMAS Training Team
The LEMR team would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Ben Morley, James Raggett, and Steve Curley for their outstanding professionalism and support throughout Simon's CERAD training. Their expertise, patience, and commitment to high standards made a lasting impression and played a vital role in Simon’s success.
What’s Next for Simon?
Now qualified with CERAD and already serving as a Level 3 Enhanced responder, Simon will transition from the left seat to the right—taking on the role of 'pilot in command' during operational shifts. This marks a new chapter in his LEMR journey, where he’ll lead vehicle operations during emergency deployments. In time, Simon will begin mentoring newer clinical members of the team, sharing his experience and helping to shape the next generation of responders. After completing 12 months of blue light response, he’ll be eligible to further enhance his skill set by becoming a solo responder, capable of operating independently in critical situations.
