Paramedic 'humbled' by unusual thank you

Twelve months after she was involved in a 60mph motorway pile-up, a car crash victim has found a unique way of thanking the Watford paramedic who treated her – by joining the ambulance service.

One year ago, Samantha Klasinski was driving along the M4 motorway when the motorist in front braked and she smashed into the back of the car.

She suffered a broken nose, a broken foot and severe bruising in the high speed crash.

However, Samantha was so inspired by the care Watford paramedic, Richard Maxon, gave to her in February 2007, she has decided to join the ambulance service.

Indeed, Samantha, now 21, recently came face-to-face with Richard, an emergency medical technician, of Hamilton Road, Watford, to say thank you in person.

Richard, 32, says he feels truly “humbled” by her gesture.

“It is a bit strange really.

“But it is very nice – I feel a little bit humbled and it is a little bit strange to have that impact on someone, but it is nice.

“It is not the sort of job a lot of people choose to do so it is nice to think some people think it can be rewarding.”

Richard, who has been with the service for eight years, is currently training to be a paramedic himself.

He recalled: “I remember being surprised that Samantha had escaped the crash with only the injuries she had – she was very lucky.

“It was a wintry evening, it was dark and wet and she managed to hit another car in the rear end while she was in the fast lane.

“It wasn't the easiest job because of where it was obviously, we popped her up to the hospital and because she was going reasonably fast there was quite a lot of damage to her car.”

He added: “I was just doing my job, but it’s great to discover that it had such an influence on her decision to become a paramedic.”

Samantha, who lives in Greenwich, had been studying for a nutrition and health degree at the time of the accident, but enrolled on a student paramedic three-year course when she finished her degree.

She is now training in Bromley and will soon be working out of Oval Ambulance Station.

She said: “The whole experience was not a good one and those few minutes I had in the ambulance really stuck in my mind – the crew really inspired me.

“I am absolutely loving the training so far and it was even worth having the car crash to make me realise what I really wanted to do.”

Richard added: “I have had thank yous before, and that is nice, but to have someone go into the service is very rewarding.”