DOCTORS with the Suffolk Accident Rescue Service have been on hand to save countless lives across the county.Brian Baker and Adrian Miller both believe they owe their lives to the team of volunteer doctors who are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

DOCTORS with the Suffolk Accident Rescue Service have been on hand to save countless lives across the county.

Brian Baker and Adrian Miller both believe they owe their lives to the team of volunteer doctors who are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

It is more than two years since Mr Baker was fighting for his life after his car was in collision with a lorry on the A140 at Coddenham.

But the fact that he is here today bears testament to the fight for more equipment for the 56 doctors who are always on hand when an accident like this happens.

Brian's life was saved when Dr Andy Mason used a piece of equipment he had been able to buy just days before.

The intubatory laryngeal mask airway means that the volunteer doctor working at the roadside could help Mr Baker to breathe again as quickly as possible.

Once airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital Mr Baker, now 60, lay unconscious for nearly five weeks with critical head injuries.

He underwent extensive plastic surgery after his face was shattered in the collision.

Today he is still recovering but everyday he and his wife Vera are thankful to the SARS and the team of doctors and nurses who saved his life.

Mrs Baker from Stonham Aspal said: "Dr Mason has kept in touch with us since the accident and he is a fantastic man – we owe so much to him.

"If this appeal can save more lives then it can't be wrong.

"If the SARS had not been there to help Brian would not be here today. Each Christmas is a bonus to us."

Adrian Miller and his family from Western Avenue, Felixstowe know exactly how that feels.

Mr Miller's car went into the back of a lorry near to the Dock Spur roundabout in Felixstowe one night in February this year.

He was trapped in his car for around 45 minutes while a doctor from the Suffolk Accident Rescue Service worked on him helped by paramedics and firemen.

His face was shattered and unrecognisable and his devastated wife Janet and his teenager daughter Becky, 18, prepared themselves for the fact that he would not make it through.

But despite his horrific injuries Mr Miller survived and celebrated Christmas Day with his family.

This year The Evening Star is raising £20,000 to buy crucial communications equipment for the doctors to help them get to the scene of accidents more quickly – as just a few seconds could mean the difference between life or death.

n To donate money to SARS Save a Life appeal, send cheques to Geraldine Thompson, Editors Secretary, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.

Anyone holding events to raise money for the appeal should call the Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788 or email on StarNews@eveningstar.co.uk.