"One of life's good guys" Tributes paid to ambulance worker who died after object hit his vehicle in Herefordshire
Tributes have been paid to a West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) technician who died whilst on duty in Herefordshire.
Jeremy Daw, known among staff as Jack, was responding to a call out on Saturday morning (24 April) when an object struck the vehicle's windscreen at the junction of Moreton Road and the A49.
Operations Delivery Director Nathan Hudson has described Jack as "one of life's good guys" and says he put "patient care at the heart of everything he did."
He goes on to say how Jack's death was "particularly cruel" as he had retired the year before but returned in January as an Emergency Medical Technician.
Jack worked as a paramedic in Hereford and Leominster, as well as flying on some of the region’s air ambulances.
He also worked as a mentor helping staff to develop their skills as ambulance workers and in patient care.
Speaking to ITV News Central, Mr Hudson says Jack was a "remarkable man".
"He was well respected, not amongst just his friends and colleagues but I think across the whole of the Hereford area, across the whole of the emergency service family really," he added.
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: "After almost three decades’ service, he returned to the frontline from a well-earned retirement to help patients during the coronavirus pandemic and served as a mentor to younger colleagues." “On behalf of everyone across the NHS, our heartfelt condolences go to Jeremy’s family, friends and colleagues, as we also wish his crewmate a swift recovery.”
Multiple resources attended the scene on Saturday (24 April), including two emergency ambulance crews, paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, nothing could be done to save our colleague, who was the front passenger, and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “This is truly awful news, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of those involved at this very difficult time. "
West Mercia Police are asking anyone who may have seen the incident or have dashcam footage to contact them on 101 quoting incident 00101i of 24 April.