PC Hatch Reveals the Harrowing Reality of Responding to Serious Crashes
Adrenaline and Chaos: The First Officer on Scene
When the radio crackles to life with a call about a serious road traffic collision (RTC) involving trapped victims, PC Richard Hatch’s mind races. A veteran of Wiltshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit for 20 years, he’s seen hundreds of crashes caused by reckless speeding. But every time, the rush of adrenaline and responsibility hits hard.
“My brain goes into overdrive,” said PC Hatch. “The adrenaline is pumping, and I still have to concentrate 100 per cent on the blue light drive to get there.”
Arriving at the scene means stepping into chaos — shattered glass, twisted metal, and distraught people everywhere. The public looks to him for answers before the ambulance and fire crews arrive. “You have to fight every negative thought in your head,” he added.
Skills and Tough Decisions Amid the Wreckage
At the crash site, PC Hatch juggles countless challenges. He must keep the scene safe, manage bystanders, and quickly assess who needs urgent medical help. Sometimes, he fields pointless questions like when the road will reopen or if drivers can get through – distractions he can’t afford.
“The protection of life is my highest priority,” he said.
He relies on training and experience to prioritise casualties, often under brutal conditions. “If the casualty is screaming, they’re alive and breathing. If they’re quiet or elderly, they need my attention faster,” he explained.
Securing Safety and Evidence – A Delicate Balance
While waiting for backup, PC Hatch must keep the scene under control, prevent further injury, and start piecing together what happened.
“These scenes are extremely chaotic, and finding out what happened isn’t easy,” he said. “I have to think ahead to investigation and even court proceedings.”
He works tirelessly to protect evidence and ensure the other emergency services can work safely. “There’s a relief when ambulance and fire crews arrive. They handle what I can’t, and we work as a team.”
Speeding: The Deadly Trigger Behind Wiltshire’s Crashes
Thankfully, PC Hatch’s latest RTC response involved no fatalities. But of nearly 1,000 serious incidents Wiltshire Police have attended this year, 17 have ended in death. Most crashes stem from one deadly cause: excessive speed.
Before you hit the accelerator next time, remember those first responders rushing into carnage caused by dangerous driving. There is no excuse for speeding – it risks lives and shatters families.
