Biker thanks paramedics

A Chirnside motorbike rider who almost died after crashing has praised the two paramedics who saved his life.

Biker Michael Hallsworth thanks the paramedics who saved his life

Michael Hallsworth was rescued when a fast-acting team from the Scottish Ambulance Service dashed to the Kelso crash scene and re-inflated his lungs, enabling him to breathe.

The retired electrical supervisor spent six days in hospital after the incident on July 17, which left him with a broken shoulder blade, broken ribs and a collapsed lung.

“When I woke up in hospital the next day, the doctors said if not for the intervention of the paramedics, I would not have survived. I was told my lung had collapsed and they had saved my life,” said Michael, a retired electrical supervisor.

Michael, 64, has spoken about the Scottish Ambulance Service team of Guy Anderson and Stuart Hogg – both based at Kelso Ambulance Station – that saved his life.

Speaking from his Chirnside home he said: “I was on my way to Hawick when I came past the race course at Kelso.

“That is the last thing I can actually remember but apparently just past there, I overtook a car and the car turned right into me and knocked me off. I can’t remember a thing after that.

Guy, one of the paramedics who came to Michael’s aid, explained: “It wasn’t until 24 hours later that we found out the true extent of his injuries.

“It was lovely to meet Michael and see he’s making a full recovery; it’s always gratifying when we get thanked for what we do.”

Michael added: “I can’t be thankful enough, because they saved my life that day.”