Uniformed Hero nominee – Laszlo Illes

Uniformed Hero nominee – Laszlo Illes

When recently qualified firefighter Laszlo Illes was involved in a serious road traffic collision while off duty he put his newly acquired first aid skills to the test.

The 41-year-old, who is stationed in Burton-on-Trent, helped a driver trapped in his vehicle and kept him calm despite a large crowd gathering around the scene.

Laszlo, who had only been in post for six months when the incident happened in June of this year, has now been nominated in the Uniformed Hero category of the Your Heroes Awards by Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Laszlo was driving and his mother-in-law was a passenger when their vehicle was shunted at speed following a collision between two other vehicles. One of the vehicles left the scene and the driver of the other vehicle was trapped.

Laszlo ensured his mother-in-law’s wellbeing before entering the other car to give first aid and support to the driver. Laszlo carried out a medical survey of the driver who had a suspected broken arm, chest pains, had diabetes and was drifting in and out of consciousness. Laszlo kept him safe and reassured despite a crowd gathering around the car, filming and being obstructive.

When Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene Laszlo gave the Watch Manager a thorough handover and update on the driver. Police or Ambulance had not yet reached the scene and there was a crew of just four firefighters on the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue appliance.

Laszlo offered to stay and help look after the driver whilst the Watch Manager put the extrication plan in to action. Laszlo stayed on the scene for some time whilst the casualty was extricated and waited for additional support.

Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber said: “Laszlo acted bravely and professionally throughout and put his new-found medical skills and knowledge to good use, even though he had himself been unfortunately involved in the collision.

“His actions demonstrated a commitment to support his community under some very difficult circumstances, and he went above and beyond the expectations of any member of the public who had been involved in such a serious collision.”

Laszlo said: “I love my job because it gives me the chance to do really positive things in the community, plus every day is different.

“On this day I was basically just putting my training into practice to make sure that everything and everyone was fine. My own car was written off but cars can be replaced and I was just happy to be on the scene and help.”