Hero Cop Saves Man After Horrific Two-Car Smash in Radford
Nottinghamshire Police Constable Ryan Baxter raced to a devastating crash scene on Hartley Road, Radford, and found chaos strewn across the road. Bodies and car wreckage littered the carriageway after a brutal collision between a Peugeot 208 and a Nissan Micra.
“Straight away, I thought everyone involved would be dead, such was the carnage,” Baxter revealed. But the quick-thinking cop sprang into action, delivering critical first aid to those trapped and injured.
Man Ejected Through Windscreen Gets Life-Saving Aid
One victim, a front-seat passenger in the Peugeot, was catastrophically injured – hurled through the windscreen with serious head and leg wounds. “I tried to keep him calm and still while a colleague grabbed the first aid kit,” Baxter said. Support from advanced first aiders helped the officers juggle treatment as East Midlands Ambulance crews arrived.
“The doctor who assessed the man said his injuries might be life-changing. I feared he could lose his sight or even his leg,” Baxter explained.
The officer stayed with the patient, riding in the ambulance to hospital and continuing to check updates while investigating the crash.
Crash Details, Aftermath & Conviction
- The Nissan driver was trapped but survived with a broken leg needing surgery.
- Witnesses said the Peugeot burst into flames after the smash, but the driver was pulled from the fire by police and survived.
- The Peugeot driver later admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.
- In February 2021, he was jailed for two-and-a-half years by Nottingham Crown Court and banned from driving for three years with an extended test required to regain his licence.
Cop Honoured for Calm and Bravery
The 27-year-old PC Baxter, a five-year force veteran, received praise at a Nottinghamshire Police awards night held at Mansfield Town FC for his dedication and cool under pressure during the traumatic incident.
“The hospital consultant told me I’d done a good job holding the man still, preventing his injuries from worsening,” Baxter said. “It’s good to be recognised by your peers, and I’m just glad I could make a difference.”
This harrowing crash serves as a grim reminder to drive carefully — but also highlights the bravery of officers like PC Baxter who save lives when disaster strikes.
