By Robert Dalling
The South Wales Evening Post
LLANELLI, Wales — A Llanelli man involved in a near-fatal road accident when only 12 years old has joined the service that saved his life.
Nick Richards-Ozzati, of Llangennech, was knocked off his bicycle in a collision with a van on the A4138 link road, and his injuries were so serious paramedics did not think he would survive.
“I was in a coma and had broken the C1 and C2 vertebrae in my neck,” Mr Richards-Ozzati said.
“I’d broken my collarbone and jaw and also suffered a haemorrhage of the brain and spine.
“I was given several CT scans and I have metal screws and plates holding my head to my body.”
Because of his ordeal that day, Nick, now 22, has trained in first aid and is a Community First Responder in the Llangennech area.
He also works in the Ambulance Service emergency calls centre working with the team who saved his life.
The incident had a profound effect on the emergency services who attended the scene that day.
“When I heard he survived I was so glad,” said paramedic Mel Thomas.
“It affects us so much more when they’re children.
“Remembering how he was after the accident and then seeing him now — it’s brilliant.
“We talk to each other now as colleagues.”
The Llangennech man’s courageous story will be featured on S4C series 999: Ambiwlans Awyr Cymru on Thursday, October 11, at 9pm.
The show follows the Wales Air Ambulance at work from day-to-day and joins the crew on emergency calls, while also meeting people who are alive today because of their help.
Mr Richards-Ozzati added: “I want to thank the nurses and the Air Ambulance who helped me.”
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