A FRUSTRATED first aider whose skills can make the difference between life and death told today how passers-by prevented him from helping a person trapped under a car.
The man announced he was a trained St John Ambulance worker when he arrived at the scene, in High Street, Dronfield. But he said bystanders shielding the casualty, refused him access and told him they only wanted "professional help".
The St John v
olunteer, who did not wish to be named, said: "The casualty may well have needed emergency medical treatment and having a trained first aider at the scene can make a vital difference in the minutes before the emergency services arrive.
"I tried to help but was turned away. I could have helped make the patient more comfortable, or in the worst case scenario the assistance of initial first aid could have made the difference between life and death.
A spokeswoman for St John Ambulance, whose volunteers are on hand at football matches and major events, said: "Bystanders who were shielding the casualty refused him access, prevented him going any further and told him they wanted professional help."
- For information on how to volunteer with St John Ambulance call 08700 104950 or visit
www.sja.org.uk.
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FeaturesCheck out the very latest on South Yorkshire's roads - including live traffic cameras on Sheffield's commuter routes - with our Traffic sectionLatest sport. The full article contains 251 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
