Car crash couple praise Norfolk engineer's kindness

A Norfolk engineer from BT’s local network business, Openreach, used his army medical skills to give a couple first aid after their car overturned.

James Fairbairn, 25, who served in the Royal Engineers’ bomb disposal squad for more than seven years, rushed to help Sian Taylor and Danny Marsh after the head-on crash in Norfolk.

Sian was so impressed with James’ actions that she wrote a letter of commendation to Clive Selley, Openreach chief executive. Sian said: “He explained that he is an ex-army medic and instantly started tending to our wounds and treated us with such compassion and empathy. He stayed with us until the ambulance took us on to hospital, salvaged as much as he could from the car for us, and did everything he could to help from start to finish.

“I want to tell you just how much I appreciate everything James has done for us and how much of a credit he is to your company.”

Clive Selley praised James and said: “All of us at Openreach are extremely grateful for the quick actions of James that day. This was real role model stuff. We wish Sian and Danny a full and speedy recovery.”

James, who lives in East Harling and joined Openreach two years ago as an engineer, said: “I’m touched by Sian’s letter. “I was on my way to a job and was in the right place at the right time. I’ve dealt with far more unpleasant situations in the army.

“Sian had cuts to her arms and a sore head and shoulder. Danny had a serious leg injury.”

Earlier this year, James went to the aid of another motorist who collided with an electricity pylon and broke her wrist.