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Boy impaled in fence horror
A YOUNG boy was impaled on a fence for an agonising 20 minutes until rescuers were able to cut him free.
Twelve-year-old Jamie Marshall was climbing a fence to retrieve a football in Blackpool's Revoe Park when a lethal spike pierced his left forearm.
His frantic cries for help were heard by passing driving instructor Glyn Jones who rushed to the youngster's aid.
Mr Jones held on to Jamie to relieve the pressure of the spike in his arm while the instructor's 17-year-old pupil Sophie Connor called 999.
Firefighters took less than five minute to cut Jamie down with the metal shard still in his arm.
It was removed by paramedics before they rushed the schoolboy to Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Jamie's mother was with him at the hospital where his condition is described as comfortable.
Mr Jones, 44, of Rutland Avenue, Poulton, said: "I heard these screams of 'help me, help me, someone help'.
"I couldn't see anything but the screams were just carrying on. We jumped back in the car and drove round. There was a group of lads, and they said Jamie was stuck on the fence.
"One lad was trying to hold him but he was slipping down, so I took hold of him. Sophie phoned the ambulance and fire brigade and I just stood there trying to make sure he didn't slip.
"I stayed there about 20 minutes, holding him while the fire brigade cut him free. The paramedics said don't let him drop down any further, because the injury was right near a tendon and he could have lost the use of his arm.
"So I couldn't hand him over to anyone else. He was panicking and I was just telling him to stay calm and trying to reassure him.
"He was in a lot of pain and was slipping in and out of consciousness."
Mr Jones, of The One Driver Training, is a former soldier and airline cabin crew trainer and he used his first aid knowledge to make Jamie as comfortable as possible during his ordeal.
His efforts were praised by emergency workers
.
Crew manager Brian Jowett, of South Shore fire brigade, said: "He did an excellent job and without his presence of mind the injury could have been far worse."
The incident happened at about 11.40am on Saturday. It is believed that Jamie, who lives locally, had been playing football when the ball went onto one of the bowling greens at the park which are surrounded by the metal fencing which is about six feet high.
Coun Doreen Holt, chairman of Revoe Reassurance Plus said: "I think they had some problems at the bowling greens which is why the fences were put up, but they are quite ferocious looking.
"I'm very concerned about this incident. It could have been more serious if the spike had gone through his stomach. Children don't see danger, and it is very near a children's play area.
"I would suggest the council has another look at this fence as to whether it's the most suitable thing. There are signs on the fence warning people not to attempt to climb it."
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 7 C
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Wind direction: South west
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