Quick action saved a life (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Quick action saved a life

A YOUNG man whose quick actions helped save the life of a man who was trapped, unconscious, in his burning caravan at Old Sarum is being urged to contact Salisbury fire chiefs, so they can thank him.

The man, who gave his name as Keith Crowther, was cycling along the portway through Old Sarum about 5.45pm on Wednesday last week, when he spotted flames pouring out of a caravan parked in Green Lane.

He immediately alerted the fire brigade, who were on the scene within minutes.

Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, were able to force their way into the caravan and carry the unconscious occupant outside, where he was given oxygen until paramedics arrived.

The man was then taken to Salisbury District Hospital, where he was treated for smoke inhalation.

Later, assistant divisional officer Ian Rennie told the Journal: "We would like to contact the young man, so that we can write him an official letter thanking him for his quick actions.

"There is no doubt that he helped save the life of the occupant of the caravan.

"If we had not got there when we did, it is quite possible the man would have died."

The fire, which is not being treated as suspicious, is thought to have started in a foam seat and to have spread to other furnishings.

Mr Rennie said firefighters were able to save most of the caravan and its interior.

The name of the occupant of the caravan is not being released, but he is believed to have recovered from his ordeal.

Mr Rennie said firefighters discovered the alarm had been raised by a man called Keith Crowther, but he had cycled off before they were able to check his name and obtain his address.