I have had a very bad night (2)
Discussion
I am writing this as I need to get it out. I need to run it through and out of my head and have done with it. I need to do this without shocked faces and sympathy. I have changed the names. I am not sure why but it seemed the right thing to do.
I was having a great day at work – very rare, things were coming together and a lot sooner than expected. The guy who was making it come together also has a Lotus owner so work and chat were great and productive. I was able to leave early so I could avoid the worst of the rush hour crap and perhaps have a bike ride. In fact my legs were screaming out for a damn good bike ride.
So there was a plan, leave work early, with work ahead of expectations head home have a bike ride and then a “wagamamma”. Perfect end to a great day.
Heading down the M3 towards Baisingrad the traffic just stopped. I levered my way across the lanes and off the M-way thinking I would tell the sat nav to take my via the back roads to Andover then the stockbridge road down to Salisbury road and down. Even better – a bike ride and a decent b-road.
Sat-Nav said turn right so I did. And after half a mile or so I ran into a road block manned by m-way maintenance. Apparently there had been a “fatality”. I said “thank you”, turned around and mumbled under my breath.
Back to the junction, I decided to turn right for Winchester.
I slowed for the junction and kept a good view, it was getting busy and the road I was going to pull out on to was very fast, no problem for the ‘liz. I looked to the right, a van, a very large van (The type I used to get ferried around in when I spent a student summer working in a steel fabrication firm) was moving quickly, I looked at the junction, a red car wandered out of the junction. My blood ran cold, time slowed, I did a double check and screamed. BANG.
The red car lurched sideways, the van hit the central reservation turned over and dived into the hedge the other side of the road. The red car slid for 50 yards and then the tyres pulled it into a forward direction and onto the edge of the road.
I stopped, just stopped, grabbed the phone and ran across the road to the van. People were driving around the accident and going home, they were not even stopping. I dodged traffic and got to the van. I was expecting the worst. Blood and guts the whole hammer horror scene. 3 guys were climbing out the over turned van, a little bloody, shaken and stirred but never-the-less, OK. Thanking God, I got through to 999. “what service do you require?” Ambulance! The phone went quiet and to my absolute surprise, I was put on hold. I went over to the red car.
In the front was an elderly couple, about the same age as my parents. The man driving and the woman in the front passenger seat. It was horrible. The drivers door was about half way across the drivers area. The mans right arm was broken and I could see the bone. His head was bleeding, …. Everyware. The woman was un conscious and bleeding, a tooth was hanging out of the front of her face. The drivers head had obviously smashed into hers. I glanced at the driver, the door was crushing his right leg and the pillar was where his pelvis should be.
A woman pushed me out of the way, announcing that “she worked in a hospital and she knew what to do” OK…? I have done “medic first aid” and my wife is a nurse, my sister a doctor and I had no idea what to do. None at all. She forced the back door open, sat behind the woman and supported her head.
I was taken off hold and someone apologised for being on hold. I interrupted, “Don’t put me on hold, PEOPLE ARE DYING HERE” The phone went quiet. A very cool, calm and collected voice came on. In my head I am screaming that if she is calm, she doesn’t understand the situation. She asked me where we were. Oh Feck! I walked out in front of a car that was trying to drive passed. Opened the door, reached in and took his sat nav. I got the location and tossed it back through the window. He looked away and drove off.
Then I was asked to give a run down of the accident. Vehicles involved, injuries, hazardous materials etc etc. A police car screamed to a halt. I finished my call. The officer looked at the red car, I told him that the occupants of the van were “OK” but the red car occupants were in a very bad way. He told me to support the head of the driver while he controlled the scene.
Oh god. What do I touch?, how do I do this without hurting him?. This isn’t a time for my fears, that is just selfish. I reached across the door, there wasn’t any separation between the door and him. I gently but firmly put my hand on his head and eased it back against the headrest. He was wondering in and out of consciousness. He would open his eyes and say in a weak but firm voice “ouch”. .. “Please open the door”.
Oh god, now I have to have a conversation…. NO, I have to have a conversation and keep him “here”. I don’t want to be here, why should he? Oh god, he looks so much like my father. He even held himself with the same dignity.
“Hello sir .. What is your Name?” .. nothing. I persisted and repeated. “puu .. Pa… “ he took a deep breath and spat out “Paul”. I looked at his left arm, I could see bone and sinew. . “Hello Paul, I am Gooby, Nice to meet you, What is your surname?” While he was talking, at least I could assess his airway. Oh my god, what would I do if there was something wrong with his airway? Lets not go there… Paul told me his surname. I am awkward in company and generally rely on banter to get through social situations. I was finding it hard to find things to say to keep Paul’s attention and try to keep his mind off the situation. “ How are you paul?” came out with the realisation that was probably the dumbest thing I have ever said.
“Is this fine lady your wife?” He slowly came back, his eyes opened but didn’t really see anything “Yes”. I need you to tell me her name. “Ouch … please open the door”, I persisted. We figured he said “Rose”. The lady from the hospital was doing her best with Rose. I couldn’t see her breathing.
A Fast response ambulance arrived and started administering O2 and calling for more help. Fire engines arrived and equipment started being assembled. More ambulances arrived. Loads of police arrived. The road was now closed.
I stepped aside for a medic to gain proper access. I was so happy, that was one responsibility I felt unable to shoulder.
Time was passing so slowly. I remembered stories about the fire brigade arriving and then the roof comes off the car and the casualties out and on their way to the hospital in seconds. Rubbish. It felt like an hour before the firemen started cutting. An air ambulance arrived. Landed right next to my car.
I stepped back and watched all the professionals work together. This was the hardest thing. I was so concerned for Paul and Rose. I couldn’t help but I needed to see if they were OK, I needed to reassure Paul, to hold his hand again. I stood there and tried to stop tears. They were of no use and selfish. This is about Paul and Rose.
The roof came off – I realised that “hospital Lady” was still in the car, supporting Rose’s head and protected from the cutting gear by blankets. The firemen were working hard and sweating.
This seemed like an eternity.
The helicopter crew got a back board in the car, the strapped up Roses head and levered the back board behind her. Many hands lifted her up the and out of the car onto a stretcher and the waiting Doctor.
An officer was asking me if I was a witness – I said yes and looked away from the wreckage. I gave him my details. He thanked me and said I could go. I politely refused. I needed to see this through, I needed to know that Paul was ok and off to hospital.
It was taking some time to get Paul out. Every tool was out. From compressed air cutters to hand held hack saws.
Another air ambulance landed behind my car. All I could think of was Just1 would be proud (he supports charities for the air ambulance).
Paul came out and on to a stretcher.
An officer came over and asked if I would give a full statement now? I agreed and I was taken to a car at the other side of the scene and sat in “air con bliss of a police Volvo”. The officer verified what happened and wrote for about an hour. I read it through and signed. Half way through the first air ambulance took off with Rose. Then about 5 mins later the second took off empty.
The site was emptying. The investigators were taking photos. I went to the incident commander and said thanks and shook his hand. He checked I was safe to drive, thanked me (for what I am not sure but I was grateful for it) and I left.
I got on to the M27 and it occurred to me. The last thing the officer who took my statement said to me was “are you on holiday before xmas, just so we could hold an inquest” and the second air ambulance was empty. None of the ambulances left with sirens “blues and two’s”. Soo .. Paul was dead.
Tears welled (they are now) I pulled over and sobbed. And sobbed.
I have held my wife, I have called my Dad and I have sobbed. I have held my dogs and I have kissed my pregnant wifes belly.
Why did he pull out?
I was having a great day at work – very rare, things were coming together and a lot sooner than expected. The guy who was making it come together also has a Lotus owner so work and chat were great and productive. I was able to leave early so I could avoid the worst of the rush hour crap and perhaps have a bike ride. In fact my legs were screaming out for a damn good bike ride.
So there was a plan, leave work early, with work ahead of expectations head home have a bike ride and then a “wagamamma”. Perfect end to a great day.
Heading down the M3 towards Baisingrad the traffic just stopped. I levered my way across the lanes and off the M-way thinking I would tell the sat nav to take my via the back roads to Andover then the stockbridge road down to Salisbury road and down. Even better – a bike ride and a decent b-road.
Sat-Nav said turn right so I did. And after half a mile or so I ran into a road block manned by m-way maintenance. Apparently there had been a “fatality”. I said “thank you”, turned around and mumbled under my breath.
Back to the junction, I decided to turn right for Winchester.
I slowed for the junction and kept a good view, it was getting busy and the road I was going to pull out on to was very fast, no problem for the ‘liz. I looked to the right, a van, a very large van (The type I used to get ferried around in when I spent a student summer working in a steel fabrication firm) was moving quickly, I looked at the junction, a red car wandered out of the junction. My blood ran cold, time slowed, I did a double check and screamed. BANG.
The red car lurched sideways, the van hit the central reservation turned over and dived into the hedge the other side of the road. The red car slid for 50 yards and then the tyres pulled it into a forward direction and onto the edge of the road.
I stopped, just stopped, grabbed the phone and ran across the road to the van. People were driving around the accident and going home, they were not even stopping. I dodged traffic and got to the van. I was expecting the worst. Blood and guts the whole hammer horror scene. 3 guys were climbing out the over turned van, a little bloody, shaken and stirred but never-the-less, OK. Thanking God, I got through to 999. “what service do you require?” Ambulance! The phone went quiet and to my absolute surprise, I was put on hold. I went over to the red car.
In the front was an elderly couple, about the same age as my parents. The man driving and the woman in the front passenger seat. It was horrible. The drivers door was about half way across the drivers area. The mans right arm was broken and I could see the bone. His head was bleeding, …. Everyware. The woman was un conscious and bleeding, a tooth was hanging out of the front of her face. The drivers head had obviously smashed into hers. I glanced at the driver, the door was crushing his right leg and the pillar was where his pelvis should be.
A woman pushed me out of the way, announcing that “she worked in a hospital and she knew what to do” OK…? I have done “medic first aid” and my wife is a nurse, my sister a doctor and I had no idea what to do. None at all. She forced the back door open, sat behind the woman and supported her head.
I was taken off hold and someone apologised for being on hold. I interrupted, “Don’t put me on hold, PEOPLE ARE DYING HERE” The phone went quiet. A very cool, calm and collected voice came on. In my head I am screaming that if she is calm, she doesn’t understand the situation. She asked me where we were. Oh Feck! I walked out in front of a car that was trying to drive passed. Opened the door, reached in and took his sat nav. I got the location and tossed it back through the window. He looked away and drove off.
Then I was asked to give a run down of the accident. Vehicles involved, injuries, hazardous materials etc etc. A police car screamed to a halt. I finished my call. The officer looked at the red car, I told him that the occupants of the van were “OK” but the red car occupants were in a very bad way. He told me to support the head of the driver while he controlled the scene.
Oh god. What do I touch?, how do I do this without hurting him?. This isn’t a time for my fears, that is just selfish. I reached across the door, there wasn’t any separation between the door and him. I gently but firmly put my hand on his head and eased it back against the headrest. He was wondering in and out of consciousness. He would open his eyes and say in a weak but firm voice “ouch”. .. “Please open the door”.
Oh god, now I have to have a conversation…. NO, I have to have a conversation and keep him “here”. I don’t want to be here, why should he? Oh god, he looks so much like my father. He even held himself with the same dignity.
“Hello sir .. What is your Name?” .. nothing. I persisted and repeated. “puu .. Pa… “ he took a deep breath and spat out “Paul”. I looked at his left arm, I could see bone and sinew. . “Hello Paul, I am Gooby, Nice to meet you, What is your surname?” While he was talking, at least I could assess his airway. Oh my god, what would I do if there was something wrong with his airway? Lets not go there… Paul told me his surname. I am awkward in company and generally rely on banter to get through social situations. I was finding it hard to find things to say to keep Paul’s attention and try to keep his mind off the situation. “ How are you paul?” came out with the realisation that was probably the dumbest thing I have ever said.
“Is this fine lady your wife?” He slowly came back, his eyes opened but didn’t really see anything “Yes”. I need you to tell me her name. “Ouch … please open the door”, I persisted. We figured he said “Rose”. The lady from the hospital was doing her best with Rose. I couldn’t see her breathing.
A Fast response ambulance arrived and started administering O2 and calling for more help. Fire engines arrived and equipment started being assembled. More ambulances arrived. Loads of police arrived. The road was now closed.
I stepped aside for a medic to gain proper access. I was so happy, that was one responsibility I felt unable to shoulder.
Time was passing so slowly. I remembered stories about the fire brigade arriving and then the roof comes off the car and the casualties out and on their way to the hospital in seconds. Rubbish. It felt like an hour before the firemen started cutting. An air ambulance arrived. Landed right next to my car.
I stepped back and watched all the professionals work together. This was the hardest thing. I was so concerned for Paul and Rose. I couldn’t help but I needed to see if they were OK, I needed to reassure Paul, to hold his hand again. I stood there and tried to stop tears. They were of no use and selfish. This is about Paul and Rose.
The roof came off – I realised that “hospital Lady” was still in the car, supporting Rose’s head and protected from the cutting gear by blankets. The firemen were working hard and sweating.
This seemed like an eternity.
The helicopter crew got a back board in the car, the strapped up Roses head and levered the back board behind her. Many hands lifted her up the and out of the car onto a stretcher and the waiting Doctor.
An officer was asking me if I was a witness – I said yes and looked away from the wreckage. I gave him my details. He thanked me and said I could go. I politely refused. I needed to see this through, I needed to know that Paul was ok and off to hospital.
It was taking some time to get Paul out. Every tool was out. From compressed air cutters to hand held hack saws.
Another air ambulance landed behind my car. All I could think of was Just1 would be proud (he supports charities for the air ambulance).
Paul came out and on to a stretcher.
An officer came over and asked if I would give a full statement now? I agreed and I was taken to a car at the other side of the scene and sat in “air con bliss of a police Volvo”. The officer verified what happened and wrote for about an hour. I read it through and signed. Half way through the first air ambulance took off with Rose. Then about 5 mins later the second took off empty.
The site was emptying. The investigators were taking photos. I went to the incident commander and said thanks and shook his hand. He checked I was safe to drive, thanked me (for what I am not sure but I was grateful for it) and I left.
I got on to the M27 and it occurred to me. The last thing the officer who took my statement said to me was “are you on holiday before xmas, just so we could hold an inquest” and the second air ambulance was empty. None of the ambulances left with sirens “blues and two’s”. Soo .. Paul was dead.
Tears welled (they are now) I pulled over and sobbed. And sobbed.
I have held my wife, I have called my Dad and I have sobbed. I have held my dogs and I have kissed my pregnant wifes belly.
Why did he pull out?
Edited by Gooby on Friday 25th July 10:26
Terrible experience for you Gooby. I hate to say, but this sounds like another example of an elderly driver just not being able to cope with modern traffic.
Blind spot, lack of speed judgement - call it what you will. From your description, it sounds like 'Paul' just pulled out in front of a van for no real reason. A tragedy, but one that could have been alot worse if he'd killed the occupants of the van? Doesn't bear thinking about.
A sad fate - but this does beg the question of whether the elderly should be subject to regular re-test.
Blind spot, lack of speed judgement - call it what you will. From your description, it sounds like 'Paul' just pulled out in front of a van for no real reason. A tragedy, but one that could have been alot worse if he'd killed the occupants of the van? Doesn't bear thinking about.
A sad fate - but this does beg the question of whether the elderly should be subject to regular re-test.
Gooby,
A truly awful experience that I can't even imagine what it must have been like for you to be there in that situation but I hold you in exceptionally high esteem for what you did and how you handled the situation, God only knows what I would have done when faced with that situation.
Even sitting here reading your post a shiver went down my spine when I read that the second air ambulance took off empty, my heart really does go out to not only you but obvioulsy Paul and Rose loved ones.
It really can make you appreciate what you have got when you read stories like this and I thankyou for sharing it with us and putting across so eloquently something so horrific.
A truly awful experience that I can't even imagine what it must have been like for you to be there in that situation but I hold you in exceptionally high esteem for what you did and how you handled the situation, God only knows what I would have done when faced with that situation.
Even sitting here reading your post a shiver went down my spine when I read that the second air ambulance took off empty, my heart really does go out to not only you but obvioulsy Paul and Rose loved ones.
It really can make you appreciate what you have got when you read stories like this and I thankyou for sharing it with us and putting across so eloquently something so horrific.
Edited by L100NYY on Friday 25th July 10:41
Sorry to hear this Gooby.
It sounds like a bit of a night for it. I was heading south on the M3 last night and there seems like there was another accident under the Winchester jct 9 turning.... I'm guessing it is not the one your are referring to as it appeared to be ON the motorway.
I'm sure you did all you could, and more than most would be prepared to do. Adrenalin is a fantastic drug. It makes us enjoy our cars but it also gives us an inert strength to do "what is right" regardless of whether we are really wanting to do it.
It appears you are human after all ;o)
Take care.
It sounds like a bit of a night for it. I was heading south on the M3 last night and there seems like there was another accident under the Winchester jct 9 turning.... I'm guessing it is not the one your are referring to as it appeared to be ON the motorway.
I'm sure you did all you could, and more than most would be prepared to do. Adrenalin is a fantastic drug. It makes us enjoy our cars but it also gives us an inert strength to do "what is right" regardless of whether we are really wanting to do it.
It appears you are human after all ;o)
Take care.
Oh my.
It has made my blood run cold just reading that, Gooby, I feel for you totally.
At least try to find some comfort that you did the best you could in circumstances given to you in the blink of an eye. You stopped. You supported people in their time of need, and for that you should be proud.
What a horrid horrid thing to have to go through. Kudos to you, albeit such unfortunate circumstances.
It has made my blood run cold just reading that, Gooby, I feel for you totally.
At least try to find some comfort that you did the best you could in circumstances given to you in the blink of an eye. You stopped. You supported people in their time of need, and for that you should be proud.
What a horrid horrid thing to have to go through. Kudos to you, albeit such unfortunate circumstances.
What a story. Well done for doing what you could, I'm sure everyone would be on unfamiliar territory given its such an unusual situation to find yourself in, so that sounds perfectly normal.
You contributed, did your best, and didn't turn a blind eye like most, so well done for that.
If theres a lesson we should all learn, its putting this in perspective, and how vulnerable we are. Whilst we're getting worked up over mindless trivia like vx versus elise, r versus s, rover v yota, its all too easy to forget the wider picture.
I'm sure the picture will stay with you for along time, just take satisfaction in that you did your bit to help, if they were my parents I'd be shaking your hand.
Now go for that bike ride to help clear your head.
Well done that fella.
You contributed, did your best, and didn't turn a blind eye like most, so well done for that.
If theres a lesson we should all learn, its putting this in perspective, and how vulnerable we are. Whilst we're getting worked up over mindless trivia like vx versus elise, r versus s, rover v yota, its all too easy to forget the wider picture.
I'm sure the picture will stay with you for along time, just take satisfaction in that you did your bit to help, if they were my parents I'd be shaking your hand.
Now go for that bike ride to help clear your head.
Well done that fella.
Not nice buddy, been in similar situations more times than I care to remember, but it's my job so I kind of expect it. To just be faced by a situation like that (and even worse to see it happen in 'slow-mo' in front of you) is just horrible, a real shock to the system.
It amazes that how so many people refuse to stop at accidents and help. There may not be anything to do, but at least check ffs. Sadly too many people don't seem bothered by the pain of others nowadays, more concerned with getting home to see big brother.
Fortunately however, there are still good hearted and brave individuals like yourself who will just roll your sleeves up and crack on with it.
A very sad story mate, but you should be proud that you did what you could.
It amazes that how so many people refuse to stop at accidents and help. There may not be anything to do, but at least check ffs. Sadly too many people don't seem bothered by the pain of others nowadays, more concerned with getting home to see big brother.
Fortunately however, there are still good hearted and brave individuals like yourself who will just roll your sleeves up and crack on with it.
A very sad story mate, but you should be proud that you did what you could.
Thank you for all the comments.
Firstly, I am not brave, I am not any type of a "hero". I was just really afraid and scared of making the situation worse.
The real hero was "hospital lady". I saw her before she left, she was unphased, cool and calm.
I met many officers last night. all of them were professional, supportive, kind and understanding. I was trying not to be an idiot (and failing). These guys deal with this day in and day out. They still turn up to work and deal with it again. Seeing it just once has frightened me to my core. It will leave my mind and I will laugh and joke, then it flashes back across my mind and I want to go back to holding my wife and checking that dad is OK.
It is purely selfish dropping this on you guys, I am sorry but .. please be careful
Firstly, I am not brave, I am not any type of a "hero". I was just really afraid and scared of making the situation worse.
The real hero was "hospital lady". I saw her before she left, she was unphased, cool and calm.
I met many officers last night. all of them were professional, supportive, kind and understanding. I was trying not to be an idiot (and failing). These guys deal with this day in and day out. They still turn up to work and deal with it again. Seeing it just once has frightened me to my core. It will leave my mind and I will laugh and joke, then it flashes back across my mind and I want to go back to holding my wife and checking that dad is OK.
It is purely selfish dropping this on you guys, I am sorry but .. please be careful
Gooby said:
Thank you for all the comments.
Firstly, I am not brave, I am not any type of a "hero". I was just really afraid and scared of making the situation worse.
The real hero was "hospital lady". I saw her before she left, she was unphased, cool and calm.
I met many officers last night. all of them were professional, supportive, kind and understanding. I was trying not to be an idiot (and failing). These guys deal with this day in and day out. They still turn up to work and deal with it again. Seeing it just once has frightened me to my core. It will leave my mind and I will laugh and joke, then it flashes back across my mind and I want to go back to holding my wife and checking that dad is OK.
It is purely selfish dropping this on you guys, I am sorry but .. please be careful
Not at all mate,Firstly, I am not brave, I am not any type of a "hero". I was just really afraid and scared of making the situation worse.
The real hero was "hospital lady". I saw her before she left, she was unphased, cool and calm.
I met many officers last night. all of them were professional, supportive, kind and understanding. I was trying not to be an idiot (and failing). These guys deal with this day in and day out. They still turn up to work and deal with it again. Seeing it just once has frightened me to my core. It will leave my mind and I will laugh and joke, then it flashes back across my mind and I want to go back to holding my wife and checking that dad is OK.
It is purely selfish dropping this on you guys, I am sorry but .. please be careful
Sometimes its best out and shared with friends, I just hope I never get into this situation and if I do I act half as responsible as you did
Boggy
A sad day indeed but be be thankfull you at least did what you could, it could have potentially have been a better turn out with your help you never know. Well done for your efforts though.
A couple of years back I experienced a similar thing, helped ressusitate a man involved in a nasty head on, he too was also badly trapped. He died later that day in hospital. It was a sad day & week for me to say the least & I still shudder every time I pass the scene when driving on the A303.
One thing it woke me up to strength & surviveabilty of modern Volvo's, the opposing car involved the driver walked away from despite near identical impact points.
A couple of years back I experienced a similar thing, helped ressusitate a man involved in a nasty head on, he too was also badly trapped. He died later that day in hospital. It was a sad day & week for me to say the least & I still shudder every time I pass the scene when driving on the A303.
One thing it woke me up to strength & surviveabilty of modern Volvo's, the opposing car involved the driver walked away from despite near identical impact points.
Terrible terrible news. I do not even want to imagine how I would react in that situation, but im certain you handled it far better than I.
I have the upper most respect for Ambulance drivers, Firemen etc that have to deal with this situation almost daily. Certainly requires a special type of person.
My thoughts go out to Rose and Pauls family, and to yours too Gooby
I have the upper most respect for Ambulance drivers, Firemen etc that have to deal with this situation almost daily. Certainly requires a special type of person.
My thoughts go out to Rose and Pauls family, and to yours too Gooby
Reading that brought a real lump to my throat.
Gooby, you should be proud of what you did, although it is hard, you have done what many wouldn't. You helped people in need.
We live in a very selfish country, a lot of people don't care about each other, but you went out and did what you could.
Gooby, you should be proud of what you did, although it is hard, you have done what many wouldn't. You helped people in need.
We live in a very selfish country, a lot of people don't care about each other, but you went out and did what you could.
Gooby, can I ask very sensitively, are you sure it had the sad outcome you've described.
Only reason I'm asking, is it this, the second half of this story.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/75247...
Only reason I'm asking, is it this, the second half of this story.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/75247...
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