Ambulance crew commended for heroic actions during Clacton flat fire
Date: 14 November 2025An ambulance crew whose quick-thinking actions helped extinguish a fire and protect a trapped resident have been commended by the chief executive of the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST).
Emergency Medical Technician Ryan Fretton and Trainee Emergency Medical Technician Michael Primmer were first on scene at a fire in a block of flats on the High Street in Clacton-on-Sea in August.
Upon arrival, they found a woman perched on the window ledge of her first-floor flat, unable to escape due to flames engulfing the stairwell. She had dropped her keys out of the window, allowing a member of the public to unlock the entrance to the ground floor hallway.
Assessing that it was safe to do so, Ryan and Michael entered the building and saw the fire rapidly spreading up the stairwell leading to the upper flats. Using the fire extinguisher from their ambulance, they managed to put out the flames on the stairs.
They then checked on the resident, advised her to remain safely inside her flat, and assessed the situation further. Due to the significant damage to the stairwell, it was unsafe for the crew to enter the flat, and Essex Fire and Rescue Service completed the rescue.
Nick Botterill, Leading Operations Manager, arrived shortly after Ryan and Michael and was so impressed by their swift and decisive actions that he nominated them for a commendation from EEAST CEO, Neill Moloney.
He said: “Ryan and Michael’s actions following a dynamic risk assessment were exemplary and, in my view, fully deserving of this commendation.
“While we do not encourage crews to enter buildings on fire, they quickly assessed the situation and acted in the best interests of the patient’s safety. Given how rapidly the fire was taking hold, there was a real risk to the woman’s life.”
Neill Moloney, Chief Executive of EEAST, added: “It was a great honour to present Ryan and Michael with a CEO Commendation.
“Their actions helped keep the patient safe and highlight the importance of the training our crews receive in performing dynamic risk assessments under pressure.” Dan Partridge, Area Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said:
"Ryan and Michael’s outstanding actions showed quick thinking and bravery in a challenging situation.
“Their focus was on the resident’s safety, and we value the calm way they supported her. Firefighters made sure the incident was brought under control safely.
“This was a good example of how the emergency services work closely together to protect people when they need us most.”
