Awards recognise firefighters for saving life

Firefighters from Malmesbury were awarded with Royal Humane Society awards on Monday (8 September) after they saved the life of a local youth last year.

Adam Wickson, now 18, severely lacerated both of his wrists in an accident at the town’s youth centre on 20 June 2007. Firefighters who had been on drill at the nearby fire station were on the scene within two minutes and gave immediate first aid.

This involved administering oxygen therapy, assessing the wounds and applying appropriate dressings to both wrists. The latter included splinting the left wrist where there had been tendon damage, using the best available solution – in this case, a pack of chopsticks.

Thanks to the professionalism and skill of the firefighters, Adam was en route to hospital via air ambulance within one hour of his being injured and has since made a full recovery.

The Royal Humane Society is a charity that grants awards for acts of bravery in the saving of human life and also for the restoration of life by resuscitation.

Those receiving awards on Monday were Watch Manager Wayne Jones, Crew Manager Chris Harvey and Firefighters Nick Exton, Andy Mills and Roy Evans. Also recognised was Station Manager Tim Gray, who was visiting the fire station that night and helped with the rescue.

Chief Fire Officer Andy Goves, who made the presentation on behalf of the Royal Humane Society, said: “The immediate actions of the fire crew without doubt saved this young man’s life, as he was experiencing severe blood loss. The professionalism shown by the whole team was second to none, as those firefighters not directly involved with immediate first aid were supporting the parents.”

He added: “The paramedic who attended the scene described this as ‘an exceptional job well done’ and accordingly Great Western Ambulance Service suggested that it would be appropriate to nominate the team for these awards. I am therefore delighted that the Royal Humane Society has agreed that the actions of these six firefighters merit recognition.”

Adam Wickson, who attended Monday’s presentation with his family, said: “I’m really pleased that these awards have been given. I know I’m very lucky to still be here, and that’s down to these guys. I can’t say just how grateful I am to them all.”

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