Canal boat becomes temporary ambulance to help injured man
PUBLISHED: 16:36 27 October 2016 | UPDATED: 17:02 27 October 2016
Paramedics get their patient to the ambulance thanks to the Eiger | West Midlands Ambulance Service, courtesy of Martin & Julie
Paramedics had been unable to get their patient from the bank of the Staff & Worcs to a waiting ambulance until the boat Eiger came to the rescue
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called near Boggs Lock in Gailey last week to treat a narrowboater user who injured his leg on the Staff & Worcs.
Despite parking as close as they could, paramedics had to make a mile-long walk down the towpath while carrying all their equipment. How they would get their patient, thought to be in his 60s and unable to put weight on his leg, to the ambulance left them scratching their heads.
Luckily, Richard Gray of Birmingham and Midland Marine Services was working nearby so offered his boat, Eiger, as transport up the canal to where the ambulance could meet them.
Richard Gray of Birmingham and Midland Marine Services offered a lift | West Midlands Ambulance Service, courtesy of Martin & Julie
A short and comfortable cruise later, the man was on his way to County Hospital in Stafford.
WMAS spokesman Jamie Arrowsmith said: "This was certainly one of the more unusual jobs for our staff to come across.
"Thanks go to Richard for his assistance in helping the patient on to the back of the ambulance as quickly as possible."
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