St John Ambulance first aiders save life

10th October 2006

The parents of a young boy critically injured in a motor racing accident have praised the St John Ambulance team who went to his rescue.

12-year-old Chris Stewart broke his neck in the accident during a grass track race at Tongham Motor Club, near Alton.

The six-strong first aid team included three members from Alton Division and three from the Basingstoke Division who were on duty at the race meeting.

Chris was travelling at around 30mph when he collided with the barriers. The first aiders were on the scene within 30 seconds and quickly identified a possible spinal injury.

The team held Chris’s head still while the fire service cut the car to free him – a delicate operation that took more than an hour.

Chris was then taken by NHS ambulance to Southampton General hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

His dad John said: 'The chap from St John was terrific – they all did a fantastic job.'

Members of St John Ambulance are on duty at Tongham at every race and undergo regular training in all aspects of First Aid – in particular spinal immobilisation techniques.

David Harrison, Commander of St John Ambulance Hampshire, joined Chris’s parents in praising the team. 'I am really proud of the way the team carried out the rescue and treatment of this young lad.

'Any serious accident is traumatic, but one involving a young child is particularly difficult. Our members showed a very high level of professionalism and care. I can’t thank them enough for all they did on that day.'

Alton team members were Richard Coleman, Steven Fish and Elaine Dowling. The Basingstoke members were Keith Patching, Zoe James and Rebecca Pither-Townley.

The accident happened on Sunday 24th September 2006 and Chris was in  Southampton General Hospital untill 29th March 2007.