PC commended for remaining calm and keeping victim still before paramedics arrived

A response officer who gave first aid to a seriously injured motorist at the scene of a horrific RTC involving a disqualified driver, has been commended for his professionalism and dedication to duty.

The crash, which involved a Peugeot 208 and a Nissan Micra, happened in Hartley Road, Radford, during the early hours of 13 December 2020.

Witnesses reported seeing the Peugeot burst into flames after the collision before eventually coming to a halt some distance down the road.

The Peugeot driver was immediately pulled from the burning wreckage by officers. He was taken to hospital but avoided serious injury.

He later admitted charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving to two people, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.

He was subsequently jailed for two-and-a-half years when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court in February 2021. He was also disqualified from driving for three years and must take an extended test to get his licence back.

PC Ryan Baxter arrived  within minutes and came across a scene of complete devastation with bodies and car debris being scattered across the carriageway.

He said: “Straight away I thought everyone involved would be dead, such was the carnage I was witnessing.

“A front seat passenger in one of the cars involved, a Peugeot 208, had gone through the windscreen and suffered serious head and leg injuries. I tried to keep him calm and still while a colleague got the first aid kit out of the car.

“We cleaned him up as best we could. Advanced first aiders from our Operational Support department gave us instructions, as they juggled with helping three casualties at the scene, before East Midlands Ambulance Service arrived..

PC Baxter, who has five years service, added: “The hospital consultant told me I’d done a good job in holding the man still after the crash and that the first aid I’d delivered prevented his injuries being aggravated.”

The Nissan driver, who was initially trapped in his car, sustained a broken leg that required surgery.

PC Baxter was among those honoured at a recent Nottinghamshire Police local awards evening held at Mansfield Town Football Club.

The 27-year-old was commended for his professionalism and dedication to duty, remaining calm and collected in a very difficult scenario.