Colchester: Gary reunited with his good Samaritan Alison (From Essex County Standard)

Colchester: Gary reunited with his good Samaritan Alison

9:30am Thursday 9th April 2009 in News By Claire Owen

A good Samaritan who cared for a police officer at the scene of a road crash is likely to receive a commendation for her actions.

Alison Cripps was driving to work at Colchester Garrison when her journey was halted by an incident on the A12 near Hulton St Mary.

The health promotion officer, who has a long background in nursing, was on the scene just after the collision between a police car and a van.

She said: “My first thought was to call work and tell them I would be late.

“Then it dawned on me that the police officer hadn't got out of the car, and I realised he might be injured.

“As a nurse, I couldn't not help – there was no question.”

Ms Cripps joined another good Samaritan – a petrol attendant she knows only as Roz – at the car, where she found British Transport Police officer Gary Pomroy inside in considerable pain.

“He was completely immobile in the front seat and obviously had severe pain in his neck,” she said.

“He said he had no feeling in his legs and was very distressed.”

The 43-year-old, who lives in Ipswich, says she became frightened for Mr Pomroy's life when he lost consciousness.

“That was the worst moment,” she said.

“I knew if I wanted to resuscitate him I would have to move him, but that could have made his injury worse.

“So Roz and I tried to raise him – I kept bleating in his ear.

“He was coming in and out of consciousness and I told him to tell me about his lovelife – that almost raised a titter!”

Ms Cripps continued to reassure Mr Pomroy until a paramedic arrived.

“At one point he apologised for being a pain,” she said.

“But I told him not to worry, as all I had done was spend the morning cuddling a policeman!”

Ms Cripps was unable to say goodbye to Mr Pomroy when he was whisked away to Ipswich Hospital.

“When I left things were looking pretty grim so I was really worried about him,” she said.

“It shouldn't make any difference, but he was such a nice guy and we had a real connection.”

With the help of the Essex County Standard, the pair were reunited yesterday at Mr Pomroy's home in St Osyth, where he has been recuperating since the accident.

He said: “It was fabulous, really exciting to get together.

“We will definitely keep in touch – I've got a friend for life.”

Mr Pomroy says he will now put Ms Cripps forward for a commendation from his employers, the London North branch of the British Transport Police.

“It's for helping me and doing much more than was expected of her,” said the 46-year-old, who is going back to work on April 24.

“There is a panel process to go through but I'm sure she will get it.

“It will be presented by our area commander, Ch Supt Mark Newton, and is one of the highest commendations you can get.”

Ms Cripps said she was stunned to hear about the nomination.

“I couldn't believe it,” she said.

“I nearly fell off the sofa when he told me!

“But the real award for me was just watching him make me a cup of tea after I'd been so worried.

“I hadn't stopped thinking about him since March 10 so that meant the world to me.”

She added: “I have also made a new friend which is fantastic.”