Paramedics Use Social Media to Find Missing Man Wandering Six Miles From Home
Ambulance Crew Scrambles After Passers-by Raise Alarm
When two strangers spotted a man leaning against a wall, unable to communicate and showing signs of distress, they dialled 999 fearing he might be having a stroke. Ambulance technician Rosea Poynter, paramedic Chris Allum, and student Sophie Izzard rushed to the scene—but only knew the man’s first name.
Student Paramedic’s Social Media Sleuthing Cracks the Case
With no ID or clear clues, the crew decided to head to the nearest hospital. That’s when student Sophie had a clever idea: search social media for missing-person reports. She found a Facebook appeal from Derbyshire Constabulary confirming the man was a high-risk missing person, gone from home for seven hours.
“Myself and Chris are very proud of Sophie, our student, for her quick thinking in coming up with the idea to search online for him as a missing person,” said Rosea Poynter.
Six-Mile Wander Ends Safely in Eastwood
The man, who had walked six miles from his home in Alfreton to Eastwood, was eventually reunited with his family. His daughter revealed:
“My father loves his walks and is always wandering off. This time he was heading back to Nottingham, where he grew up. It was a really scary time for us.”
“We were so relieved to find him safe, well fed, and hydrated thanks to the ambulance crew. Huge thanks to them, the passers-by, and the police who helped reunite us.”
Police Praise Social Media’s Role in Finding Missing People
Kate Viles, Derbyshire Constabulary’s Communication and Engagement Manager, praised the public’s help:
“We often post appeals for missing people on social media and have had many success stories from tips we received thanks to shares and sightings. It’s wonderful to see the gentleman safe and back with his family.”
