Just weeks after a frightening road traffic accident, seven-year-old Samuel Anderson returned to thank the ambulance team who cared for him.
Back in September, Sam and his mum were walking home from school in Bobbing, Sittingbourne when a car failed to stop and struck Sam as they stepped into the road.
His mum dialled 999 in panic and on the other end of the line was Emergency Medical Advisor Rosie, who calmly reassured her while triaging the call and getting help dispatched within minutes.
Paramedic Sarah and Trainee Associate Ambulance Practitioner Leanne were only moments away when they were sent to the scene. They raced to Sam on blue lights, providing emergency care before taking him to Medway Maritime Hospital.
Incredibly, Sam was discharged the very next day. He later needed reconstructive surgery at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead.
For being so brave, on his return home from hospital, Sam was met with the surprise of a puppy which they named Peanut after the ward he stayed in while in hospital.
Fast forward a month and Sam and his family were invited to Medway’s Make Ready Centre for a behind-the-scenes visit. There, he reunited with Sarah, Leanne and Rosie, this time with smiles all round.
Sam explored the 999 control room where his emergency call was answered, climbed into an ambulance to learn about the kit that helped him and even got the chance to switch on the lights and sirens.
“Seeing everyone again was really cool, especially turning on the sirens and lights,” said Sam.
Sarah shared how meeting Sam again meant a great deal to the whole team. “You don’t often get to see your patients you’ve treated once they’ve recovered,” she explained. “To see Sam smiling, walking around confidently and excited to show us photos of his puppy was wonderful. It reminds you exactly why we do this job.”