BMX rider at Saffron Walden's One Minet Park 'saved' by helmet

A BMX rider who suffered a serious head injury while using Saffron Walden s skatepark was saved by his helmet, an emergency paramedic has said. A 15-year-old boy was knocked unconscious after falling from his bike in one of the skateboarding bowls at the

A BMX rider who suffered a serious head injury while using Saffron Walden's skatepark was saved by his helmet, an emergency paramedic has said.

A 15-year-old boy was knocked unconscious after falling from his bike in one of the skateboarding bowls at the One Minet Park, Peaslands Road, on Sunday evening.

Arriving at the scene at about 6.30pm, emergency care practitioner, Mike Studd, said: "When I arrived, a first aider from the nearby Lord Butler Leisure Centre was with the boy. I assessed him and found he had possible fractures to his cheekbone and jaw, and due to the seriousness of his injuries I called for a doctor to assist."

The teenager, from Haverhill, was treated at the scene and then rescued from the skateboarding bowl by fire crews at about 7.15pm. He was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, where his condition upon arrival was described as serious but stable.

"I have no doubt that the fact that the boy was wearing a helmet saved him from an even worse outcome," said Mr Studd.

"I'd like to thank the children who were at the scene. They were a big help, taking instructions and bringing us medical supplies."

Secretary of the Skate Group, Jane Clarke, said that all skaters and riders should wear safety equipment at all times when using the skatepark.

"Everybody is still shocked about what happened," she said. "I think this will act as a wake up call to anybody who is using the skatepark without the proper gear.

"I would like to praise all the skaters at the scene who responded so quickly and did exactly as they were supposed to by calling a first aider from the leisure centre.

"Although most people come to the park with safety equipment, there is still some concern that a number of skaters are using the park without wearing helmets, elbow pads, knee pads or wrist pads.

"Very soon we will be selling safety equipment through our website and a percentage of all profits from the sales will be ploughed back into the Skate Group.

"We are also looking for any businesses who would like to donate money to the Skate Group so we can by safety gear and sell it at cost."

For more information visit the Skate Group's website, www.oneminetpark.co.uk, or call Ms Clarke on 01799 584365.