An 85-year-old man from Edinburgh, known as Neil, was rescued after becoming trapped under the floorboards of his home for three days. The incident unfolded last week when Neil crawled into a confined space beneath a cupboard to check for plumbing leaks but subsequently found himself unable to escape.
Neil detailed the ordeal to the BBC, explaining how he intended to inspect the pipeline by using an extension lead to illuminate the area. However, this prompted an unexpected and dangerous situation, leaving him confined without food or water for an extended period. His absence was noted by concerned neighbours who eventually alerted emergency services after failing to see him for three days.
The rescue effort was captured in the latest episode of BBC Scotland's "Paramedics on Scene." Paramedics Leigh Law and Philip Campbell from the Scottish Ambulance Service’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT) were dispatched from Newbridge to assist in the operation. Upon their arrival, they were met by fire crews and fellow paramedics already on the scene, who were actively removing carpet to reach Neil.
In comments to the BBC, Leigh described the conditions in which Neil was found, stating, "The space he was in was tiny. The depth probably wasn't even up to our knees. He was just covered in dirt and dust and looked really weak." First responders worked meticulously to ensure Neil's safety while preparing to remove him from the cramped space. To stabilise him, they administered oxygen and intravenous fluids.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by Philip, who noted, "Toxins relief from the muscles can enter the bloodstream and then be released into the rest of the body which can then lead to a shock or cardiac arrest. We needed to get him out flat in order to avoid releasing any of these horrible toxins."
Using a scoop stretcher, Neil was carefully lifted out while kept flat to prevent any further complications. However, during the transport to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, his condition worsened. Paramedics observed changes in his skin tone and involuntary spasms, prompting further stabilisation before he reached the hospital.
Reflecting on the unusual nature of the call, Leigh remarked, "It was actually a bit surreal, not a job you go to every day as nobody expects to find an 85-year-old gentleman under the floorboards of a house and especially in such a tight space." He conveyed concern for Neil's frailty given his age.
After recovering, Neil was subsequently interviewed at home, where he shared his experience. He stated, "I don't even remember them getting me out. Apparently I was talking but I have no recollection of that." He emphasised that the incident arose purely from the need to check for leaks in his plumbing, saying, "I guess with most people if you want a job done in your house you do it yourself, but I've stopped now."
The broadcast of "Paramedics on Scene," which captures such emergency efforts, airs on Tuesdays at 9pm on BBC Scotland.
Source: Noah Wire Services