Mechanic's 999 mercy mission

An 18-month-old baby boy was saved thanks to the quick-thinking action of an repair mechanic who transported an ambulance to him on the back of a low loader.

An ambulance had broken down in Heath Hayes, Cannock, and repairman Martin Corley, who had driven out on the low loader, was working on it when he heard the 999 call over the radio.

It said that a little boy, who has not been named, was having breathing difficulties and vomiting just 500 metres away from where they were.

Mr Corley quickly stepped up to the challenge and suggested to the paramedics that he could transport the ambulance to the boy.

They agreed and Martin set off with the ambulance on the low loader - complete with orange lights flashing - to the boy's house.

The paramedics, who travelled to the house in the cab of the low loader, then got to work resuscitating him.

Another ambulance then arrived at the scene to take him and his mother to hospital.

The boy was fine and after two hours of monitoring in Staffordshire General Hospital, he was allowed back home with his mother.

Mr Corley is now receiving a commendation from Staffordshire Ambulance Trust for his action on December 15.

Staffordshire Ambulance Trust acting chief executive Geoff Catling said: "Martin showed tremendous initiative and reacted like any member, uniformed or otherwise, that are employed by this trust in an emergency.

"I will be awarding him one of my commendations for his actions.

"I fully applaud his commitment which is in the best tradition of the ambulance service nationally."

Bob Lee, spokesman for Staffordshire Ambulance Service, said it was hoped that Mr Corley could be honoured with the commendation as soon as possible.

By Kate Hughes