Norwich lorry driver uses HGV to trap a runaway van
This is the moment a lorry driver used his HGV to trap a runaway van against a central reservation before giving the driver first aid after he saw him slumped over the wheel.
Russell Dagless, 53, was driving along the A47 near Dereham, Norfolk, when he saw the unconscious motorist.
Dashcam footage taken from another lorry shows the quick-thinking father of one position his trailer in front of the van as it was bouncing along the safety barrier.
An off-duty paramedic is then seen getting out of a car slowing behind Mr Dagless to help to give the unconscious driver first aid on the two-lane road.
Police said Mr Dagless's actions saved the driver's life - who had lost consciousness after suffering a bleed to the brain.
The Ben Burgess worker has been hailed a hero after winning one of the highest awards from the Royal Humane Society for putting his own life on the line to save the driver.
He won its Testimonial on Vellum award with his heroism being described by the charity as 'like a scene from an all-action movie' showing 'incredible courage'.
Mr Dagless, from Norwich, said he reacted instinctively and added: 'Something had to be done, looking back at it, it just seemed the natural thing to do at the time, so the dangerous side didn't really fall into my mind.
Heart-stopping:Â Russell Dagless, 53 (left) was driving along the A47 near Dereham, Norfolk, when he saw the unconscious motorist in the white van (pictured)
'The guy had to be brought to halt - what you see on the video was the last part of it - when we first came across him he was travelling a lot faster.
'This guy was seriously, seriously, lucky for the people who were around him.
'He was already up against the barrier when I came across him, there was several cars in front who undertook the incident and disappeared which then allowed me to pull up beside him.
'He was absolutely collapsed, his head was down below the steering wheel on the driver's door.
Plucky:Â Dashcam footage taken from another lorry shows the quick-thinking father of one position his trailer in front of the van as it was bouncing along the safety barrier
'The two guys who were following us were first aiders, they obviously knew more first aid than myself and at that point I stood back.
'Just after that a fireman turned up who had better first aid training and five minutes after that a young lady turned up who was an off-duty paramedic.
'He didn't look right so I pulled up beside him and out of my side window at a height I could see he was collapsed and he was resting on the driver's door, no hands on the wheel.
'Hero is a very, very strong word, I just had the right leg on at the exact right point.
'It's very nice to have recognition for what you do. When I was first told about it I thought it would just be a certificate - I didn't realise the enormity of the award I was being given.
Saved:Â An off-duty paramedic is then seen getting out of a car slowing behind Mr Dagless to help to give the unconscious driver first aid on the two-lane road
'That's made me feel very very humble - yes, I'm the one who got on and done it but I would like to think that anyone who would be in the same position would have done similar.'
Mr Dagless has been praised by his workmates at Ben Burgess plant and machinery hire.
'When I went to the Norwich depot, they were all standing in line and applauding as I got in but it was just a bit of banter - any of them, most of the guys who I work with would have all have done exactly what I did without a moment's hesitation.'
Managing Director Ben Turner said: 'When Russell told us what he had done we were all pleased and said well done.
Award: Police said Mr Dagless's actions saved the driver's life. The Ben Burgess worker has won an award from the Royal Humane Society for putting his own life on the line
'Once we received the video footage, it was clear to see just what a fantastic job he did. With the assistance of the other drivers that stopped, he helped save a man's life and everyone in our company is very proud of him'.
Dick Wilkinson, secretary of the Royal Humane Society, said: 'This was like a scene from an all-action movie. It showed incredible courage and resourcefulness to instantly assess the scene and take the action he did.
'This incident could have resulted in carnage but instead no-one was hurt and only two vehicles were involved, thanks to the amazing action of Mr Dagless. He richly deserves the award.'
0 Response to "Norwich lorry driver uses HGV to trap a runaway van"
Posting Komentar