Off-duty Steve fast into action

Oldham Firefighter Steven Rudol

AN off-duty Oldham firefighter showed his skills coming to the aid of a taxi driver who had been involved in a crash.

Steven Rudol was driving home with his wife and children on Saturday shortly after 3pm when he passed the incident in Mottram Road, Stalybridge, where the taxi had flipped on to its roof.

As fire engines made their way to the scene, Steve went to the aid of the driver, keeping him calm and still.

Steve said: “I guess I was just in the right place at the right time. I saw the taxi on its roof and I could see it had just happened because there were no emergency services on the scene. As a firefighter I knew what to do and was able to climb inside the car and keep the man as still as possible.”

The taxi driver and a woman from the second car involved in the collision were checked out by paramedics. but the driver declined hospital treatment.

Watch manager Jon Sweeney said: “When we arrived he was able to assist us because he was already in the car and had moved seats to create space.

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Councillor David Acton said: “Steve’s actions show that our firefighters always know what to do in an emergency.”