Good Samaritan helps rescue driver after car crashed into lamppost in Plungington

Deborah Walklate drew on her first aid skills to help the driver

A Preston woman helped to rescue a driver involved in a crash on Plungington Road on Wednesday last week.

62-year-old Deborah Walklate, who has lived in Preston for more than 40 years, used her previous first aid skills to help the driver who was trapped in his car.

Firefighters cut a driver free from a crash as crews from Preston and Bamber Bridge were called to the stretch of Plungington Road between the Suzuki Garage and the Lytham Road roundabout at 2.14pm on Wednesday 24 January.

One car was involved in the crash and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service also sent an urban search and rescue team from Chorley to attend.

Fire crews released the person from the vehicle and provided First Aid and handed the person over to North West Ambulance Service.

The road was shut for just over an hour according to Preston Police and the driver was described as having ‘minor injuries’.

Deborah was having her hair done in the nearby hairdressers when she heard the crash and went to help.

She went to find the man still in the car after it crashed into a lamppost.

Deborah told Blog Preston: “I was having my hair done at the hairdresser and I heard a noise and went to help. The car engine was still on with a man inside.

“The car was on the pavement it had gone into a lamppost which was now leaning badly and looked precarious. Water was around the car all over, the front was smashed in and bits over the area.”

The damaged lamppost was next to a surface gas mains on the front of a house.

Deborah then opened the car door to turn the engine off and put the brake on as well as the hazard lights to warn others.

She was then helped by another man who forced the car door open so Deborah could get to the driver to help him.

Two other women came to help as they all realised the situation may be unsafe due to the leaning lamppost and other unknown damage.

Meanwhile, a man was redirecting traffic so the man in the car could be helped.

Deborah added: “When the fire service came I was asked to remain for a while by the fire officer.

“I’d like to thank all those who stayed to help they were marvellous. At one time I was a first aid trainer and assessor and ambulance trained. It is something that never leaves you.

“I was honoured to do what I could and wish the gentleman a quick recovery.”

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