A collision in Market Drayton, yesterday evening, Monday 11 August, saw a significant response from emergency services, including fire crews, paramedics, and the Midlands Air Ambulance.
A man was rescued from his vehicle and taken to a major trauma unit for urgent treatment following the single-vehicle collision on Phoenix Bank.
The incident occurred at approximately 6.06 pm on Monday, when a single vehicle collided with a large sandstone wall, causing it to flip and roll before coming to a rest on its side.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service mobilised rescue pumps from Market Drayton and Hodnet, along with a rescue tender and support pump from Wellington, and an operations officer.
On arrival, crews found an elderly male driver alone in the vehicle, trapped and being tended to by West Mercia Police officers, an off-duty ambulance technician, and members of the public.
Firefighters, including those trained in advanced trauma care, worked alongside the ambulance crew to assess and stabilise the man, who was conscious but disorientated and in pain.
Rapid Extrication Required
Initially, firefighters planned a controlled extrication using hydraulic cutting and spreading equipment. However, the driver’s condition deteriorated, necessitating a rapid extrication to allow for immediate medical intervention.
The crew swiftly abandoned their original plan and, working in a confined space, carefully lifted the man through the vehicle’s sunroof. Throughout this process, they maintained constant alignment and protection of his spine.
As soon as he was clear of the vehicle, firefighters provided immediate oxygen therapy. The Midlands Air Ambulance arrived shortly after, and its critical care team stabilised the man’s condition.
Following this initial treatment, he was then transported by road ambulance on blue lights to the major trauma unit at the Royal Stoke University Hospital for further treatment.
A number of local roads, including Phoenix Bank, Newtown, the A529 Newport Road, and Walkmill Road, were closed for a period to allow the emergency services to work safely.
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