Off-Duty E-zec ACAs on Hand to Help

Two off-duty ambulance care assistants (ACAs) acted selflessly upon coming across a three-car collision, and were quickly on hand to assist.

E-zec’s Graham Lawrence and Stephen Harding, based at the company’s Dorset operations, were driving back towards Weymouth from Sherborne after finishing their shift, and came across a three-car collision with only a fire engine in attendance. With their knowledge and expertise, they decided to stop and support those involved, while waiting for the ambulance crew to arrive. 

Graham said: “When we approached Charlton Down, we came across the incident which had not long happened – there were two damaged cars in the road and one that had lost control and flew through the hedge and into the neighbouring field. The driver of this car was trapped in his seat, and the fire crew were assessing how to remove him safely. 

“In the meantime, an off-duty LAS Paramedic also arrived on scene, and together we got an IV into the driver, took his stats, and gave him some oxygen. He had sustained a head injury due to the impact and was experiencing some memory loss, so we talked to him, providing comfort and reassurance. And while the fire crew cut the roof off of the car, we held a sheet over him to protect him from the debris.” 

“Once the roof was removed and the ambulance crew present, we helped the gentleman onto the stretcher and proceeded to encase him with a VAC mat, which was used to immobilise him as we suspected he had broken his right clavicle,” added Steve.  

Kerena O’Connell, National Safeguarding Lead and Operations Manager at E-zec Dorset, explained: “We’re so incredibly proud of Graham and Steve, and are grateful for their selfless quick-thinking to support the fire crew in what must have been a difficult and distressing situation. They’re a real asset to the team, and encompass all that E-zec promotes – supporting our local communities, and making them a better, and safer, place to be. 

“We were contacted by David Foxwell, Crew Manager at Dorchester Fire Service, who passed on his thanks and gratitude for their voluntary assistance – priding them for their professionalism and duty of care.”

Supporting the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Campaign

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence 

E-zec is proud to support an international campaign to end gender-based violence. 

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual United Nations’ campaign that aims to raise awareness and encourage individuals and organisations across the world to call for the prevention and end of gender-based violence.   

The campaign has also been adopted by UK Says No More – a campaign to raise awareness to end domestic abuse and sexual violence across the UK. E-zec has been a long-standing supporter of UK Says No More, hosting its Online Safe Spaces widget on the homepage of its website.  Online Safe Spaces is a discreet portal that opens in a pop-up window to provide support, advice and helpful contact numbers for those at risk of domestic abuse. It leaves no internet history trace, and provides quick exit options for the person seeking information. 

E-zec’s support for the international campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence will involve posting on the company’s social media accounts to raise awareness of violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and sexual violence.  It will also highlight where support can be found.  

UK Says No More work with Boots UK, Morrisons pharmacies, Superdrug pharmacies, Well Pharmacy, independent pharmacies, HSBC and TSB across the UK to provide Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing Domestic Abuse. If you’d like to find out more you can visit the website: UK Says No More.

This year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign kicks off on 25th November (International Day of No Violence against Women) and runs to 10th December 2022 (International Human Rights Day). 

Information and Support in the UK …

National Support Lines 
For women experiencing domestic violence and abuse 

England 
Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Freephone, 24/7) 
0808 200 0247 

Scotland 
Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline (Freephone, 24/7) 
0800 027 1234 

Wales 
Live Fear Free Helpline (Freephone, 24/7) 
0808 801 0800 

Northern Ireland 
The domestic and sexual abuse helpline (Freephone, 24/7) 
0808 802 1414 

And for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse 
England, Wales and Scotland 
Call the Men’s Advice line (Freephone, Monday-Friday: 9am-8pm) 
0808 801 0327 

Northern Ireland 
The Men’s Advisory Project (MAP) offer help and support to any man facing domestic abuse, anywhere in Northern Ireland. 
Call 02890 241929 

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