FIREFIGHTERS from A10 Odiham Fire Station received a Chief Officer’s Commendation at a ceremony in Southampton last week.

The retained firemen were praised for their their determination and compassion in dealing with a casualty in a critical condition who was trapped in his van after a serious crash on the M3 over the summer.

The citation of the accident describes how on July 29 crews were mobilised at 7.12pm to one of the most complex road traffic collisions the service had seen in many years.

The driver of the van was in a critical condition and was trapped in the twisted metalwork of his vehicle cab and by a steel support from a large motorway junction sign.

The Odiham fire crew, joined by members form Basingstoke and Cosham worked closely with medical teams at the scene to free the man, but despite their best efforts the man could not be freed and surgery was required at the scene.

Despite the drastic medical intervention by ambulance crews, the casualty remained trapped by his foot and his condition was deteriorating.

A co-ordinated effort by the three teams followed and a firefighter managed to free the foot, meaning the driver could be freed from the vehicle and his condition stabilised by medical teams.

He was immediately transferred to hospital where further operations were required but is now making a full recovery.

The citation ends, “without question, through the determination and caring actions these officers upheld the finest tradition of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.”

Chief Officer Dave Curry said: “I am extremely proud of our firefighters and staff and therefore I am delighted to be here again to recognise some of their incredible achievements.

“The courage, determination and professionalism that shine through in these stories shows why our people have a special place in the public’s heart.

“It is fantastic that during a period of change and modernisation we see so many examples of Hampshire firefighters and staff upholding the finest traditions of the service.”

It was also announced this week that the Odiham Fire Show this August raised a whopping £8,000.74 for the Firefighters Charity and £888.97 for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.