Motorcycle crash survivor reunites with ambulance crew who went above and beyond

A grateful patient who suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident has personally thanked the East of England Ambulance Service crew who came to his aid and went above and beyond in their care.

James Hurst, 67, was knocked from his motorbike in a collision with a car on Temple Farm Industrial Estate in Southend just after 7.45pm on Monday 16 June 2025.

Senior Paramedic Lee Umpleby and Senior Emergency Medical Technician Jack Broomfield were first on scene and found James in significant pain, surrounded by debris from the crash. They assessed him for injuries to his ribs and pelvis, managed his pain, and carefully transported him to Southend University Hospital.

James’s wife, Joanne, was working at the hospital at the time. Lee and Jack promised to let her know about James’s arrival after handing him over to hospital staff – an act of compassion that left a lasting impression.

James sustained four broken ribs, a broken pelvis, an internal pelvic bleed, severe bruising, and a displaced shoulder. After a long recovery, he recently returned to Southend Ambulance Station, back on his motorbike, to personally thank Lee and Jack. He even brought a banner with a heartfelt message of appreciation.

James said:

“It was great to thank Lee and Jack in person. What they did for me and my wife that day was amazing, they are a great credit to the ambulance service and the NHS.”

Lee and Jack are long-standing crew mates who also volunteer with the Canvey Island First Responders, supporting 999 calls and delivering Basic Life Support training to the public and local schools.

In recognition of his community work, Lee was awarded the King’s Ambulance Service Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours this year.

Lee said:

“Patient meet-ups are a really nice part of the job, and it was great to see James has made a good recovery from the serious injuries he sustained.”

Jack added:

“We’re pleased to hear we left a lasting impression on James – it was great to meet him again and see him doing well. We always do our best for our patients and didn’t feel we did anything out of the ordinary on the day – it’s simply who we are and what we do.”