There was a road crash on the A34 near Macclesfield last Monday night. Richard Doran, the Team Secretary, happened to be the first person with First Aid knowledge to arrive at the roadside scene. Along with a retired Fireman, Richard took control of caring for the driver who was lying injured at the side of the road. The vehicle had clearly rolled and was somewhat “flatter” than before the incident.

After carrying out a quick, airway, breathing, circulation, and consciousness check, and mindful of the cold, the casualty was reassured, immobilised, and checked for injuries. Initial diagnosis revealed lower back and pelvic injuries, and an arm injury. The casualty was kept as warm as possible as the temperature at the time was just a few degrees above freezing. With the arrival of the Police, and later the paramedics, who confirmed the injury list, the casualty was provided with pain relief, and carefully placed on a back board and taken to hospital.

Richard said that after having just renewed his Mountain Rescue Casualty Care certificate, after a course that team members need to refresh and be re-tested on every three years, the initial panic (!), about what to do came back naturally “It was satisfying to be able to assist, and to use the skills we learn and practice, albeit in a different context”.