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A paramedic who was injured when a man drove his car into a crowd of football fans in Liverpool city centre has recounted how he disregarded his own injuries to assist those caught up in the turmoil. Jay Vernon wasn't scheduled to be on duty at Water Street when Paul Doyle ploughed his car into celebrating Liverpool FC fans following their club's title win back in May.
The 34 year old from Aigburth had been working as a cycle response lead, responsible for getting pedal bikes equipped with ambulance kit around the parade event in the city centre. However, within hours, he found himself embroiled in distressing scenes as Doyle, 54, from West Derby, drove his Ford Galaxy into the throng.
Over 100 pedestrians, ranging from infants as young as six months to a 78 year old woman, were injured after being hit by a Ford Galaxy on Water Street shortly after 6pm on Monday, May 26, turning what should have been a day of celebration into a scene of destruction and fear. In the wake of the horrifying incident, a total of 50 casualties required hospital treatment.
Doyle is set to be sentenced for his crimes this week and has been cautioned to anticipate a substantial prison term. Reflecting on his experiences that day in May, Jay said it had started as an ordinary day.
He said: "I was part of the business as usual team so the idea for us was to be responding to patients who weren't directly involved with the Liverpool parade incident because there's significant pre-planning and resources and that goes into that. It was felt that they had adequate resources and clinicians to dedicate the time to the Liverpool parade crowds and the bus itself, so we were predominantly in and around the city centre on the pedal bike.", reports the Liverpool Echo.
Jay, a Liverpool supporter, described witnessing a "sea of red and white" across the city centre that day, with crowds in excellent spirits. He added: "There was a really good vibe around Liverpool and it was a really good day, despite the weather, up to around 6pm."
Jay explained he was drawn to Water Street following a radio call requesting additional resources after the bus had travelled through the area, amid reports of a suspected cardiac arrest. He said: "I made the decision to get off the pedal bike and I was pushing the bike itself.
"There was a police sergeant to my right and I was walking to the left-hand side to the passenger side of the ambulance. We were creating that space moving the crowds dispersing so that the ambulance could get down quite freely.
"I had to do that on foot as I just felt it was unsafe for me to still be sat on the saddle of a pedal bike in such a large crowded area."
Moments later, chaos erupted and Jay, accustomed to helping those in need, became a victim of Doyle's actions.
"As I was walking in front of the ambulance, I was struck with almighty force from behind, which has then sent me flying over to the right hand side and I landed in the gutter on Water Street.
"As I've put my hands out to brace myself, there were a number of people around me and on the floor. As I've looked left I've seen a car and I've then seen the car's reverse lights come on and start heading back up towards Water Street. I immediately thought 'I'm in the middle of a terrorist incident.' I was very vulnerable because I didn't have a vehicle to sit in.
"I jumped up off the floor and then out of the way and I've watched the car then reverse with some speed and which resulted in the car hitting the front of the ambulance."
Jay sustained cuts and grazes to his hands and legs having worn shorts as a cycle-based paramedic.
"I had a quick look around and made sure I was okay, as well as I could be, there were no broken bones or anything for me because running high on adrenaline, you can quite easily miss your own injuries. He said: "I started attending to some patients. There was a point in time when the vehicle then moved again, so this all happened really quickly The vehicle then moved and it headed back down towards Water Street. I actually feared for my safety."
Jay took a moment to collect himself in the back of an ambulance before helping people with young children to give them a safe space. He retrieved his equipment as people were shouting about casualties being trapped under Doyle's car and off-duty medics had stepped in to help. Jay recalled pushchairs on their side and people laying on the ground.
Jay paused to compose himself in the rear of an ambulance before assisting families with young children, offering them a secure environment.He collected his kit as bystanders were crying out about casualties trapped beneath Doyle's vehicle, whilst off-duty medical professionals had intervened to provide assistance. Jay remembered seeing pushchairs toppled over and individuals lying on the pavement.
He said: "Yes I was struck, yes I had some minor injuries but ultimately you just switch to 'I'm there as a paramedic and I'm there to help people.' Ultimately, the adrenaline and that desire to help people just kicked in and that I think that's what got me through. I think having those people there and the injured people getting first class treatment so quickly after being injured was ultimately a game changing effort."
Doyle appeared at court last month dressed in a black suit and spectacles, his greying hair slicked back. He became emotional as he was rearraigned and pleaded guilty to all charges on the indictment.
His sentencing commences on Monday and is anticipated to span two days. He has been cautioned that he faces a substantial prison term.
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