West Midlands Ambulance Service names technician killed in Herefordshire
The ambulance worker died after an object struck the windscreen of his vehicle.
Last updated 26th Apr 2021
West Midlands Ambulance Service has named the technician who died after an object hit his windscreen in Herefordshire on Saturday morning.
Jeremy Daw, known to friends as Jack, died while responding to a 999 call.
The former paramedic had come out of retirement to help during the Covid-19 pandemic, the ambulance service said.
Paying tribute, the service’s emergency operations delivery director Nathan Hudson told the PA news agency: “He was a remarkable character.
"He was one of life’s good guys and he will be sorely missed in and around Hereford.”
Speaking about the incident Mr Hudson said: “We had a 999 call where the crew responded yesterday shortly before 8am.
“About a minute after eight we had a 999 call to say the crew had been involved in an incident, whereby an object of some description had gone through and pierced the windscreen and one of the crew members were unconscious.
“The driver of the vehicle, who was also injured, was able to get out and try and help and support Jack because he was unconscious and started life-saving treatment to try and resuscitate him.
“We don’t think this was malicious, we think this is a tragic accident.”
WATCH: West Midlands Ambulance Service delivery director, Nathan Hudson, pays tribute to Jeremy 'Jack' Daw:
West Mercia Police have said they are “satisfied” that the death of ambulance technician Jeremy Daw was not the result of a “deliberate act”.
Inspector Chris Watson said the force continued to investigate the “tragic” and “difficult” incident, which happened on Saturday in Herefordshire.
He said in a statement: “We are still thoroughly investigating this incident and although at an early stage, we are satisfied that this was not a deliberate act despite some speculation on social media.
“We are continuing to support the victim’s family at this challenging time and would ask that they are given time to grieve and respect their privacy.
“They would like to thank everyone for the support and well-wishes they have received.”
NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said the ambulance technician killed by an object that struck his windscreen “represented the best” of the health service.
Sir Simon said: "Jeremy, known by his colleagues as Jack, represented the best of the NHS.
“After almost three decades’ service, he returned to the front line from a well-earned retirement to help patients during the coronavirus pandemic, and served as a mentor to younger colleagues.
“On behalf of everyone across the NHS, our heartfelt condolences go to Jeremy’s family, friends and colleagues, as we also wish his crewmate a swift recovery.”