Emergency medical technician praised for saving girl on bridge

Emergency Medical Technician Ian Willgress was on duty with mental health nurse Dawn Dee in one of EEAST’s mental health joint response cars when they were called to the incident near Longwater, Norwich earlier this year.

Ian said: “Police were on the scene and we were briefed that there was a 15-year-old girl on a six-inch ledge the wrong side of the railings on a bridge 40-feet above the A47.

“Dawn and I agreed the only chance we had was to try and talk her back over the barrier.

“We approached from a safe distance, but she wouldn’t communicate at all, and was giving all the signs that she felt she had nothing to live for.
“We had discussed the risk of grabbing the girl with police on the scene, but I decided that if I believed she was going to fall or jump, I would grab her.

“Then I saw her start to lean forward and that she was going to fall.

“I grabbed her. The police helped me bring her to the other side of the rail and she was taken to hospital for further help.”

Leading Operations Manager Gary Ball nominated Ian for the award. He said: “Ian took the instantaneous decision to place hands on the patient, firmly making contact and pulling her to the correct side of the bridge and safety.

“Ian totally disregarded his own safety to save a life. “He is the epitome of selfless courage and I have the utmost respect and admiration for his actions.”

Ian’s assessment of the situation and quick-thinking was the result of 34 years experience in the NHS. He initially worked in secure psychiatric units before joining EEAST in 2007, working as a community training officer and in resilience and special operations before joining the front line as an emergency medical technician. He also served for 25 years as an Army medic reservist.

Ian was presented with a certificate of commendation by EEAST Chief Executive Neill Moloney at a recent ceremony at our Longwater station.

Neill said: “Ian showed bravery and compassion and is a great example of the dedication to others we so often see in our staff. “It also shows the value of our Mental Health Joint Response Cars.

“Having both an ambulance clinician and a mental health nurse on the scene can make a real difference when people are going through a crisis.”

Afterwards Ian said: “I felt a bit awkward because this incident was just another day on the job for me, and I had forgotten about it.
“Crews every week make selfless decisions to do more.

“I am grateful and surprised by Gary Ball putting me forward for recognition.”