Ambulance worker saves girl from Norwich bridge death-plunge

Ian Willgress, an emergency medical technician for the East of England Ambulance Service, was on duty with mental health nurse Dawn Dee when they were called to the incident near the Longwater Retail Park, in Norwich.

At the scene, they found the 15-year-old girl had climbed over the bridge's barrier and was on a six-inch ledge above the major road. 

Mr Willgress said: "We approached from a safe distance but she wouldn’t communicate at all and was giving all the signs that she felt she had nothing to live for.  

Chief Executive of EEAST Neill Moloney presents Ian Willgress with his commendation (Image: East of England Ambulance Service)

“We had discussed the risk of grabbing the girl with police on the scene, but I decided that if I believed she was going to fall or jump, I would grab her.  

“Then I saw her start to lean forward and that she was going to fall.  

“I grabbed her and police helped me bring her to the other side of the rail and she was taken to hospital for further help.” 

READ MORE: Norwich emergency medical dispatcher wins award

Leading operations manager, Gary Ball, nominated Ian for the award.  

He said: “Ian took the instantaneous decision to place hands on the patient, firmly making contact and pulling her to the correct side of the bridge and safety. 

“Ian totally disregarded his own safety to save a life.  

“He is the epitome of selfless courage and I have the utmost respect and admiration for his actions.” 

Mr Willgress has 34 years of experience in the NHS and also served for 25 years as an Army medic reservist.  

He was presented with a certificate of commendation by chief executive Neill Moloney.