Paramedics who saved life of South Shields stab victim praised for heroic actions

Northumbria Police officers were called to a flat in Whiteleas Way just two days before Christmas last year after a man was stabbed and beaten in a vicious attack.

Thug Michael Wilson almost killed his victim following accusations that he had made advances towards his girlfriend.

Wilson inflicted three knife wounds and rained down punches on the victim, before kicking him down a flight of concrete stairs.

Paramedics carried out a life-saving thoracotomy on the victim inside the ambulance at the scene, before taking the man to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI).

The victim had to have open heart surgery and was hospitalised for a week.

Now, police have praised the paramedics for their life-saving actions as attacker Michael Wilson received a nine-year prison sentence.

Detective Sergeant Aidan Hall said: “There is little doubt that the victim of this horrific attack would have died had it not been for the outstanding actions of paramedics at the scene.

“We are proud to work hand-in-hand with all our blue light partners and this was an example of us all working together to not only ensure the victim survived, but ensure the person responsible is put behind bars.

“This type of violence will not be tolerated and we will continue to use every tactic at our disposal to put criminals who endanger the lives of others before the courts.”

Wilson, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent on the basis he used excessive self-defence at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday, October 20. He was sentenced to nine years behind bars.

Paul Liversidge, deputy chief executive at North East Ambulance Service, added: “In the event of a major trauma, such as a stabbing, every second counts.

"As well as being able to call upon specialist trauma skills within our own service, we work closely with Great North Air Ambulance Service to ensure we’re able to provide an enhanced clinical service to those patients who require it.

“In this instance, we were able to request the additional clinical skills of our GNAAS colleagues, which meant that together we were able to perform this life-saving procedure before arriving at hospital.”

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.