Local hero receives award for his life saving actions at accident scene

Sadly, too many of us witness people being hurt or injured, but do little more than stand by and watch as the gruesome reality unfolds. This wasn’t the case for St John Ambulance volunteer Tim Goddard, however, as he sprang into action and gave life-saving aid to a boy involved in a road accident - an act that was acknowledged last week with the presentation of an award.

Tim from Andover, was making his way home on his motorbike one evening, along Pack Lane in Basingstoke in April this year, when he noticed the traffic had stopped and was beginning to back up. Venturing forward, Tim realised what had happened – a fifteen year old boy had been hit by a lorry and was lying in the street unaided, but watched by a gathering crowd of onlookers.

A volunteer with St John Ambulance, Tim wasted no time in helping the lad. The onlookers were initially hostile when he approached the boy and tried to stop him, but when he explained that he was a member with St John Ambulance they let him give assistance.

First aid training proves decisive

Tim speedily assessed the boy, noting severe bruising around his head and across his eyes, indicating a skull fracture. He had stopped breathing and Tim’s first reaction was to offer CPR, but realising that the young man’s breathing was compromised by his injuries, he administered a jaw thrust manoeuvre instead, which caused the boy to start breathing again.

‘I am certain that had I not administered the jaw thrust, the boy would have died,’ said Tim. ‘I am just so grateful that I had the skill to help. Five years ago, before I joined St John Ambulance, I would have been one of the onlookers. I am really pleased that with my St John Ambulance training, I was able to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.’  

Asked if he felt panic when he realised that the boy’s life was in his hands, Tim said, ‘Not at all. The training I received from St John Ambulance gave me the confidence to know what needed doing and to make a speedy decision. It took less than a minute to get the boy to breathe again. There really wasn’t time for me to hold back and think about it.'

Tim stayed with the boy until the ambulance arrived and then turned his attention to the lorry driver who was in a state of extreme shock. He helped keep the driver calm, until he too was taken to hospital.

At a gala awards evening, Tim received a surprise award for his actions at the accident, when he was presented with The Dr Reddy Memorial Cup, which is given annually to a member or group that has performed outstanding first aid skills.

In presenting the award, County Ambulance Officer Dan Bevis attributed the survival of the boy to Tim’s swift and decisive actions, saying ‘This patient was critically injured and it is quite probable that your simple, yet effective intervention saved this young man’s life. You should be very proud of your achievement.’