04/11/10….Bravery award for Wheatley man in dramatic crash rescue

TWO men, including Will Oliver from Wheatly, have been awarded the Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation for bravery after rescuing a school teacher who became trapped in her car when she skidded off the road and crashed into a stream.

David Etheridge, Chief Fire Officer at Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, hosted the recent Community Safety Awards evening which highlighted the efforts of Wayne Ford and Will Oliver. The pair have been recognised for outstanding courage in the face of overwhelming danger.

Icy conditions

The morning of Monday, February 22, saw extreme weather conditions with temperatures below freezing and heavy snow fall. Helen Birch-Machin from Abingdon, was driving along Cuxham Road in Cuxham when she lost control of her car, spun 180 degrees and rolled over into a ditch filled with water. Wayne and Will were on their way to work when they spotted skid marks in the snow and then saw the car on its roof and submerged in the freezing water.

Without a second thought, they pulled over and Wayne took the ladder from their van, climbed down into the ditch and swam out to the car. He managed to open the door and kept Helen conscious until the emergency services arrived.

When Oxfordshire’s firefighters got to the scene, crews made a ladder bridge to get to the car and cut several branches down from the trees around them to make the rescue easier. Helen was pulled from the car and only suffered minor injuries.

Wayne, despite being cold and wet, insisted on staying with her until she was safely in the ambulance and knew that she was ok.

Wayne Ford, aged 51 from Chalgrove, said: “We saw the car and I heard Helen screaming. The water was very deep and running fast. It was a long way down so I used the ladder and threw myself into the water. I tried to reassure Helen that help was on its way. Her hand was trapped in the car door, so I opened it and wedged myself between her and the door and I kept talking to her until the emergency services arrived.

“I stayed with her throughout and both of us were very very cold and wet. Looking back now I am glad that I did what I did and I would do it again. The Commendation Award was an honour and a great surprise.”

Dramatic events

And while Wayne was helping Helen, Will made vital phone calls and directed other drivers. As he was doing so, there was another accident which happened while the rescue was taking place.

Will Oliver, aged 20 from Wheatley, said: “I rang the emergency services and stopped the traffic coming towards the accident. But a lot of people were not paying attention to the treacherous roads in the blizzard like conditions, and another driver went straight into the back of another car.

“When you see a terrible accident like that, your adrenalin just takes over and you just try to deal with the situation as quickly as possible. I’m just glad I could help and Helen was ok.”

Outstanding courage

Without any thought to their personal safety, the duo undoubtedly saved Helen’s life.

Helen Birch-Machin said: “I firmly believed that my life had come to an end. I realised that there was no way that anyone could see me from the road. It would have been a horrible way to die. About ten minutes elapsed and I was beginning to panic when I heard voices and Wayne and Will arrived on the scene. I realised then that I had a good chance of survival. I told Wayne to keep me talking as enduring the freezing water was quite a struggle for me. Will was the one who made the crucial phone calls.

“I believe that Will and Wayne saved my life. They have big hearts. I wish the incident had never happened as I do have frightening flashbacks. On the other hand, I got to see a wonderful side of human nature. Also, I have a sense of being given a second life. I will always share a special bond with Wayne and Will. I was delighted to hear of their bravery award.”

David Etheridge, Chief Fire Officer for Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said: “When I was made aware of the bravery that Wayne and Will displayed whilst entering freezing water on a snowy morning in order to save and support Helen?s life, I didn?t hesitate to award them the Chief Fire Officer?s Commendation. At a time when we are fed negative news stories and headlines, it is always reassuring to know that there are exemplary citizens such as Wayne and Will who are prepared to stop and help instead of just driving past.”

SOURCE: Press release