Artery In Neck Slashed Praise For First Aid

Newcastle Herald

Monday August 11, 2008

By TESS CAMPBELL

A 14-YEAR-OLD Morpeth boy was lucky to be alive after the main artery in his neck was severed in a motorbike accident at Nelsons Plains yesterday, police said.

The teenager's rescuers, including a 14-year-old riding mate and his father, were hailed last night as heroes and their immediate first aid actions credited with saving the boy's life.

"This boy was extremely lucky they knew what to do, they've basically kept him alive until ambulance officers could take over," Senior Constable Jan Holmes said.

"We will be applying to have them both recognised and commended for their actions that most certainly saved this boy's life," she said.

The accident happened at 4.30pm when the teenagers were riding motorbikes on a friend's property.

The boy crashed his bike into a barbed wire fence, severing the carotid artery in his neck.

He was treated at the scene by ambulance officers and flown to John Hunter Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

His condition was serious but stable last night.

Four bike riders were injured in other incidents across the weekend.

An 18-year-old male was winched to safety from bushland at Cooranbong after crashing his mountain bike during a rally on Saturday.

The Westpac rescue helicopter crew also picked up a 24-year-old bike rider about 1pm yesterday after he suffered a fractured leg in a crash.

Both men were taken to John Hunter Hospital and were in a stable condition. Two teenagers were also injured yesterday during a Cessnock Motorcycle Club meet.

A 14-year-old girl suffered suspected spinal injuries and a 16-year-old boy had a fractured leg.

Both patients were taken to John Hunter Hospital where their conditions were listed as stable.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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