The Royal Humane Society was founded in 1774 to promote resuscitation techniques and lifesaving equipment. It began awarding medals in 1824 to individuals who had saved or attempted to save the lives of others at great personal risk.
The medal is made of silver and has a diameter of 38 mm. It depicts a figure of Britannia holding a shield and trident on the obverse, and the words "For Saving Life" on the reverse. The medal is worn around the neck on a blue and gold ribbon.
There have been over 8,000 awards of the Royal Humane Society Medal since it was first presented in 1824. The most recent award was made in 2022 to a group of people who rescued a woman from a burning building.
The Royal Humane Society Medal is a prestigious award and a symbol of bravery and selflessness. It is considered one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a civilian in the United Kingdom.