someone asked this question and suggested that the Queen should create a civilian version of the Victoria Cross to be awarded on an occasion like this.
One already exists. It's called the George Cross. It ranks alongside the VC.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Cross
One was awarded to..
Barbara Jane Harrison, an air stewardess on BOAC Flight 712, who died on 8 April 1968 after helping many passengers escape from an onboard fire at Heathrow Airport.
Aside: The VC can also be awarded to civilians but it's for gallantry in the presence of the enemy.