Teen who almost had his head cut off thanks medic who saved him (From Daily Echo)

Teen who almost had his head cut off thanks medic who saved him

10:54am Tuesday 31st July 2012 in Winchester By Andrew Napier , Winchester Chief Reporter

A STUDENT has made an incredible recovery after his head was almost cut off in a horror motorbike smash.

Jordon Griffin, 19, was on his 125cc Pulse Adrenaline motorbike near Winchester when he was involved in a collision with a Ford Galaxy. Part of the car’s wheel trim sliced into his neck through a 1mm gap between his helmet and leathers.

A bystander and emergency BASICS medic Bruce Armstrong administered crucial first-aid on the spot to stop him bleeding to death.

Jordon was then transferred by ambulance to Southampton General Hospital where he was treated. He has now made a full recovery.

Now Jordon has met the medic who helped save his life to thank him personally.

Jordon, of The Dell , Kings Worthy, said last night: “It’s extraordinary that I didn’t lose my head and nothing less than a miracle that I’m still alive.

“I have seen what can happen to people in motorcycle accidents but it’s weird to think it’s happened to me. It’s almost like it didn’t happen because I don’t remember it. But I do feel like I have a second chance at life now.

“I lost 40 per cent of my blood but only stayed in hospital for eight days because of the treatment Bruce gave me so I’m very grateful because without him I would not be here.” Mr Armstrong, 44, a nurse at Southampton General Hospital, used battlefield techniques to save Jordon’s life.

The 22-year Territorial Army veteran, who has served in Afghanistan, said: “We brought together what we have learned in Afghanistan and are now using it in Hampshire. The dressing we used is used on the front line there. In the past most people with Jordon’s injury would not have survived.

“It was a really good team effort, with the ambulance and police in the 20 minutes at the roadside before we got him to hospital.

“It is a great feeling to have contributed to saving his life. To see him making good progress is fantastic. It is a real privilege to do the work we do.”

Jordon’s mum Sue is now fundraising for BASICS Hampshire, a charity in which off-duty doctors and nurses volunteer to provide emergency help.