Off-Duty Firefighter Lauded for Swift Action in Sutton Coldfield Crash
An off-duty firefighter has received widespread acclaim for his heroic intervention after rushing to assist a seriously injured woman involved in a car crash in Birmingham. Matthew Horne, based at West Midlands Fire Service’s Sutton Coldfield Technical Rescue Fire Station, was driving home from the theatre with his wife when he spotted the woman lying in the road.
He immediately sprang into action, taking charge of the scene by conducting vital initial checks, comforting the casualty, and reassuring shocked bystanders until paramedics arrived. Matthew described the situation, stating, “I started my assessments and it became clear she was unresponsive but conscious. I carried out a breathing assessment as best as I could and noticed her pupils were dilated, with what appeared to be a head injury.”
Paramedics and Colleagues Praise Exceptional Response
The ambulance arrived shortly after Matthew came across the scene, and he provided a thorough briefing to the first crew about the incident and the treatment he had administered. Reflecting on the experience, Matthew added, “Despite the seriousness of the situation, it felt reassuring to be able to support WMAS staff with an extra pair of hands and some knowledge. Our training prepares us for situations like this.”
Sean Sheeran from Sandwell Ambulance Hub, who worked with Matthew as one of the first paramedic crews to reach the scene, has since praised Matthew for his actions. Sean said, “Matthew provided exceptional care to the patient before we got there and gave a very thorough handover. His calmness, care and compassion deserves to be acknowledged and his training left nothing to be desired.”
Training and Skill Shine in Critical Moment
Crew Commander John Dean, also based at Sutton Coldfield, commended Matthew’s performance, noting, “Matthew is an extremely conscientious and diligent firefighter, and I can only thank him and sing his praises from the rooftop. His first aid, initial response and first responder emergency care training really came to the fore, and he gave a fantastic account of himself.”
This incident highlights the importance of emergency training and the dedication of first responders, even when off duty. Matthew’s quick thinking and professional demeanor ensured the woman received immediate care, showcasing the vital role firefighters play in community safety beyond their official duties.
