Cabbie Saved My Girl, Says Mum
Wednesday 10th March 2010
A quick-thinking taxi driver has been hailed a hero for saving the life of a seven-year-old girl.
Paul Mason, from Farnworth, dashed from his taxi to give Megan Wightman first aid after she was knocked down by a car.
Last night the youngster remained in a critical condition in the Manchester Children’s Hospital’s intensive care unit But her mother, Katie Wightman, said she is convinced Megan would have died had it not been for Mr Mason’s heroics.
She said: “I am convinced she would not be here with us now if he had not done what he did. I cannot thank him enough.”
Megan was injured near her grandmother’s home in Prestwich on Sunday afternoon.
Mr Mason, aged 55, of Lower Rawson Street, Farnworth, had been called to pick up the family, but Megan had gone outside so her gran had arranged to take the youngster back home later.
As Mrs Wightman drove off in the taxi, she realised there had been an accident and Megan had been injured.
Mrs Wightman, aged 24, who also lives in Prestwich, said: “We had been moving for a matter of seconds before we saw what had happened. I was terrified and traumatised. It’s a mum’s worst nightmare.”
The mum of four added: “Everyone at the scene was in shock. They just stood there not knowing what to do. The taxi driver was trained in first aid and he went to her straight away.
“He looked after her until the ambulance arrived.”
Mr Mason said: “As soon as I saw what had happened, I panicked — everyone did. We were not sure if she had pulled through. I made sure she was in the recovery position and checked her pulse, which was very light.
“I covered her up to make sure she was warm and stayed with her until the ambulance arrived so she could keep focused.”
The father of one added: “I trained as a first aider about 30 years ago when I worked in a mill. I have had to use it four times now, though it has never been life-threatening like this. It is amazing how knowing four or five small actions can save someone’s life. I would encourage everyone to learn it.”
Paramedics took Megan to North Manchester General Hospital but she was later transferred to the Manchester Children’s Hospital’s intensive care unit. Doctors put her into a coma and a ventilator is helping her breathe.
Mrs Wightman said: “They did a second brain scan on her on Tuesday and it showed no signs of swelling. It is absolutely fantastic news but we don’t want to get our hopes up.”
The driver of the Audi A6 involved in the accident was spoken to by police.
Witnesses are asked to call traffic police on 0161 856 3573.
Source; http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/505 ... _says_mum/
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