Award for Salisbury fire fighter

11:40am Friday 12th September 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A SALISBURY-based firefighter has been presented with a Royal Humane Society award after helping to save the life of a teenager while on a visit to Malmesbury last year.

Salisbury fire station's station manager, Tim Gray, was visiting Malmesbury fire station to observe a training drill in June 2007 when a call was received to attend an incident in Malmesbury town centre.

Tim joined the Malmesbury crew as they helped 17-year-old Adam Wickson, who had severely lacerated both of his wrists in an accident at the town's youth centre.

The crew gave first aid, administered oxygen therapy, assessed the wounds and applied appropriate dressings to both wrists.

Adam has now made a complete recovery and Tim and the firefighters involved were rewarded for their actions by the Royal Humane Society, a charity that grants awards for acts of bravery in the saving of human life.

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue's 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.

"The paramedic who attended the scene described this as an exceptional job well done'."

Adam Wickson, who attended the 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."