AN ACCRINGTON fireman who saved the life of a young motorbike crash victim has been presented with an award for his actions.
Off duty Watch Manager Duncan Emmett, of Hollins Lane, was driving with his wife Cath when he came across stricken 21-year-old Nathan Parker-Lisberg, who had come off his bike on a bend in the road near Cliviger.
Nathan, of Crawshawbooth, had hit a stone wall and suffered critical head injuries, and Watch Manager Emmett had to make the difficult decision of removing his helmet to maintain his airway – risking causing spinal injuries to the patient.
Monday’s ceremony at Hyndburn Fire Station followed a request from Nathan’s grateful mum Jane that his actions be formally recognised.
It was attended by both men’s families, who have kept in contact since the accident, from which Nathan has made a near complete recovery.
Chief fire officer Peter Holland attended to present the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society's Resuscitation Certificate.
The CFO’s citation read: "Without the prompt and calm actions of Watch Manager Emmett, who used his professional training with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to good effect, it is almost certain that Nathan would have succumbed to his injuries."
Duncan, 45, who is now a support procedures officer in fire safety, said: "It was a different situation to be in. You don’t normally get continued contact with casualties and their families after an accident, but I have this time because I was off duty. Also when you turn out to an incident you prepare yourself as you go. On that particular day it happened in front of me and and I hadn’t got the support of colleagues around to support my decisions.
"It was a proud night and it meant a lot to me being able to represent the Fire Service in a good light."
