A firearms officer who put his life on the line by crawling underneath car crash wreckage to successfully save the lives of two elderly victims has been nominated for the national Police Bravery Awards 2024.

A PC, who doesn’t wish to be named, accompanied by three other firearms officers, swiftly responded to a traffic collision at the Dovecote Public House car park in West Bromwich on 15 October 2023.

Upon arrival, they found a Vauxhall Insignia had struck two elderly females, aged 81 and 76, trapping them beneath the vehicle, unconscious and motionless.

The fire service was on-site, carefully lifting the car with equipment while the elderly victims' breathing status remained unknown.

Without hesitation, he crawled under the rear of the car, risking collapse, and successfully rescued both injured women, pulling them to safety. He then assumed a leading role in ensuring they received immediate medical attention.

Both victims sustained serious, life-altering injuries, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Despite the challenges, he remained composed, providing medical care for more than 10 minutes until the first ambulance arrived.

His exceptional actions ensured the patients received vital care and survived the ordeal.

West Midlands Police Federation Chair Rich Cooke said: “His actions under great stress and danger to himself leave his colleagues and I in awe. He epitomises the values of public service, courage, and stoicism combined with a careful competence, which has helped make British policing world renowned.

“I am delighted to be accompanying him and his family to London for the national Police Bravery Awards to see him receive the recognition he richly deserves.”

Chief Superintendent Sarah Burton, head of operations, West Midlands Police, said:

“I am really proud of his courage and bravery have been recognised. Despite being faced with the impact of a significant road traffic collision, without hesitation he put himself in danger to save the lives of two members of the public trapped and motionless underneath the vehicle.

“Realising the lives of both members of the public were at risk, he put himself in danger, removing items of equipment from his uniform to enable him to fit underneath the unstable vehicle to get to the casualties.

“Not only did he release both casualties from underneath the vehicle, but he also used his advanced first aid skills to administer high quality medical care to both casualties. His actions epitomises the values of a firearms officer, he remained calm under pressure, without thought put himself in danger to protect the lives of members of the public and used his skills and training to preserve the life of seriously injured casualties. His colleagues and I are incredibly proud of him.”