Bedfordshire man praises lifesaving medics

The medics who heroically dragged a man to safety moments before his car exploded last year were reunited under much happier circumstances last week (Monday, 22^nd May).

Paramedic Laura Wallace and Duty Locality Officer Phil Smith were first to arrive and what was described as a ‘chaotic’ scene in the early hours on 9^th June 2016.

Phil said: “Before I arrived I could see the smoke bellowing from the brow of the hill on the M1 from Hemel Hempstead. I honestly thought I would be on scene of a fatal incident.”

Miraculously Storm Warner, who had been involved in a 100mph crash, had been helped by two lorry drivers before Laura and Phil moved him. Moments later his car exploded. Laura said: “It was like something out of a Hollywood movie, I was not expecting it at all.”

Phil said: “It was a chaotic scene with lots of debris and fire, but the team were fantastic in the face of it all.”

Storm was taken to St Mary’s Hospital before being transferred to Hammersmith Hospital. He lost 45 percent of his liver and was placed into a coma for more than three weeks. Doctors said it was a miracle that he was walking before the end of the year let alone to survive the ordeal.

Speaking at the reunion Storm said: “I asked everyone what gift I should bring? But how do you thank someone for saving your life? You can’t.”

Storm admits it still hasn’t sunk in but he has grown closer to his family, and has recently raised more than £1,000 for the Imperial Health Charity in a sky-dive.

He added: “I truly appreciate how lucky I am and also the efforts of the medics, it means the world to me and my family.”

Laura said: “It was great to meet him again and to see him doing so well, as well as hearing about all the charity work he has been doing.”

If you have been involved in any interesting or serious job, please email media@eastamb.nhs.uk or call 01763 268772.

Published 1st June, 2017