A Scots dad who was crushed by a forklift has hailed the ambulance crew who saved his life as heroes and said he will forever be grateful for being able to return home to his family.
Matt Kinghorn, 40, was trapped by a forklift on Abbey Road, Aberdeen, on February 3 when the forklift overturned at Aberdeen Marine Laboratory.
He was freed by firefighters at the scene and rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment to his injuries.
The dad-of-two was kept calm by paramedics at the scene as they assessed his injuries during the rescue.
Now having made a full recovery, Matt met with Ambulance Technician Christopher Pettitt and Paramedic Team Leader Stuart Richardson at their base, Aberdeen Central Station, so he could offer his gratitude in person.
Matt said: “I was so very lucky and glad that the Scottish Ambulance Service arrived on the scene to save me and safeguard my passage to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. I’m forever grateful to the guys for making the time to meet me.
"They were so very lovely and incredibly humble about saving me. It was a joy to chat and to learn that they love doing what they do and I will always be thankful for that. They are a couple of real life heroes that got me home to my girls. I will continue to think of them every day.”
Stuart added: “It was great to meet Matt in person as we don't often find out what happens to our patients. I think it was also very cathartic for him to meet us. We are very thankful for the funds he has raised, as well as the fantastic poem he presented us with.”
Matt has been raising cash for the Scottish Ambulance Service through his poetry readings, and has donated over £800 to the Service’s endowment fund.
He has been holding a poetry show, 9…9…Lines in venues around Aberdeen, as a way of showing his appreciation.
Matt said: "“I felt I had to do something to help in return. I decided to put on some live poetry shows in the city and shire to help raise funds for the people that helped me so, the NHS, the Fire Brigade and of course the Scottish Ambulance Service. After nine shows over nine days at 9am I have managed to raise £2359, which I’m splitting between the three services."
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