Nottinghamshire Police Constable Ryan Baxter arrived on the scene within minutes of the two-car collision in Radford where he came across a scene of complete devastation with bodies and car debris being scattered across the carriageway. He said: “Straight away I thought everyone involved would be dead, such was the carnage I was witnessing. I assisted other police units in attendance by giving first aid to the occupants of the vehicles involved. “A front seat passenger in one of the cars involved, a Peugeot 208, had gone through the windscreen and suffered serious head and leg injuries. I tried to keep him calm and still while a colleague got the first aid kit out of the car. “We cleaned him up as best we could. Advanced first aiders from our Operational Support department gave us instructions, as they juggled with helping three casualties at the scene, before East Midlands Ambulance Service arrived. “The doctor who assessed the man I had attended to thought his injuries might be life-changing. I initially thought he might lose his eyesight or have to have his leg amputated due to the seriousness of his injuries.” After the man had been stabilised, PC Baxter went with him in the ambulance as he was taken to the hospital for further treatment. He received updates on his condition before carrying out further inquiries into the collision. The outcome of the man’s injuries is not known. PC Baxter, who has served on the force for nearly five years, added: “The hospital consultant told me I’d done a good job in holding the man still after the crash and that the first aid I’d delivered prevented his injuries being aggravated. “Coming across a serious incident such as this, there’s that initial moment of shock but you just crack on with the job, especially when you realise there are people who are alive and in urgent need of help. “You think about if it was someone you cared for and how you would do absolutely everything you could to help them.” The crash, which involved a Peugeot 208 and a Nissan Micra, happened in Hartley Road, Radford, during the early hours of 13 December 2020. The Nissan driver, who was initially trapped in his car, sustained a broken leg that required surgery.

Witnesses reported seeing the Peugeot burst into flames after the collision before eventually coming to a halt some distance down the road. The Peugeot driver was immediately pulled from the burning wreckage by police officers. He was taken to hospital but avoided serious injury. He later admitted charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving to two people, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.

He was subsequently jailed for two-and-a-half years when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court in February 2021. He was also disqualified from driving for three years and must take an extended test to get his licence back. PC Baxter was among those honoured at a recent Nottinghamshire Police local awards evening held at Mansfield Town Football Club. The 27-year-old was commended for his professionalism and dedication to duty, remaining calm and collected in a very difficult scenario. He added: “It’s nice to be recognised by your peers for doing a good job and I’m just pleased I was able to make a difference by doing what I did.”