Chief Superintendent Chris Hardern presents Richard Hey with his commendation

A mountain rescue team member has received a police commendation for his actions when he came across a serious motorway smash.

Richard Hey, a member of the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team was travelling on the A1(M) in West Yorkshire and stopped to help at the scene of a crash in which a van had crossed from the northbound carriageway and landed on its roof on top of a car travelling south.

The 39-year-old, of Ripon, North Yorkshire, assessed the injuries of the drivers and passengers at the scene and put his first-aid skills to work in treating the casualties. The occupants of the van escaped with cuts and bruises and a dislocated shoulder, but the car driver was left more seriously injured.

The incident happened near the Selby Fork junction, north of Castleford.

Mr Hey said: “When I came across the accident, I knew I had to stop and help. I volunteer with Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team so know first aid and other skills which helped.

“I quickly assessed the condition of the people in both vehicles and realised that the van driver was OK so went to help the car driver.

“He was complaining of back and leg pain so I decided it was safer to leave him in place rather than try to move him. I supported his neck, in case he had a spinal injury, and talked to him to keep him calm while we waited for the emergency services.

“When they arrived it was obvious he would need to be cut out of his car so I stayed with him while this was done to help reassure him.”

The man was eventually released from the car and flown to hospital by air ambulance, suffering a broken pelvis and cuts and bruises.

Chief Superintendent Chris Hardern of West Yorkshire Police said: “Richard acted bravely and in a public-spirited manner.

“He clearly used the skills and experience he has to help the injured man and make sure that his injuries didn’t get any worse. He also supported the emergency services and even stayed with the man while he was cut out of the car. Not many people would have done that and I’m sure it provided great reassurance to the injured man and was a very brave action.”

The mountain rescuer added: “I’m delighted with the commendation. I just did what needed to be done.

“It’s amazing: the training takes over and you just go through the protocols. It was a great team effort; there was a huge number of professionals involved as well.”