A PCSO and 2 members of the public who bravely pulled a number of people from the wreckage of a burning car have been awarded for their life-saving actions.
The Isle of Wight District Commander’s Awards were hosted by Superintendent Sarah Jackson at the Riverside Centre in Newport on Tuesday 16th November.
Supt Jackson hosted a number of special guests at the event, including Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney, Her Majesty’s Vice Lord Lieutenant Maurice Sheen, Isle of Wight High Sheriff James Attrill, and Victoria White and Darren Claydon from Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
Attendees heard of the bravery and dedication of not only police and partners, but of courageous members of the public who acted selflessly to protect others in their time of need.
Whilst driving into work on the morning of 2nd August 2020, PCSO Stephen Oatley was flagged down by a member of the public at the scene of a single vehicle collision, which resulted in the 3 occupants sustaining potentially life-threatening and life-changing injuries.
Other members of the public, including Peter Smith, were assisting with a male passenger who was laid on the road and placed into the recovery position. A female passenger was removed from the vehicle and carried away from the scene whilst the driver was still trapped in the vehicle due to a tree obstructing their door and the front passenger seat being twisted.
PCSO Oatley coordinated the members of the public at the scene, and relayed information to the control room, including resources and services required.
He soon noticed smoke emitting from the vehicle engine, and realising that the vehicle was likely to take alight, both he and a member of the public – Steve Spragg – entered the rear of the vehicle and managed to release the driver by ripping his seat backwards with sheer force, allowing space for him to be pulled out.
Once the driver was secure they then placed him in the recovery position onto a blanket and dragged him to safety before the vehicle burst into flames.
Despite sustaining a hand and back injury during this incident, PCSO Oatley remained on duty to write up a statement.
PCSO Oatley and Mr Spragg received certificates from The Society for The Protection of Life from Fire, and Mr Smith received a letter of commendation, for their courage and heroism which undoubtedly saved the lives of the vehicle occupants.
Well done! True heroes and life savers.