A TEENAGER who fell 30ft from a tree was put into temporary paralysis by paramedics using a cutting-edge technique.

James Hore

A TEENAGER who fell 30ft from a tree was put into temporary paralysis by paramedics using a cutting-edge technique.

The 15-year-old climbed a tree to get a football back but as he reached for it, he ended up falling 20-30ft into a ditch below.

The ambulance service was called to Cressing Road, Braintree after the accident on Saturday.

Paramedic Richard Mackie, from the Essex Air Ambulance, helped sedate the patient with the modern method that induces paralysis to allow safe airway management and protection.

It was the first time he used the procedure, and only the second time for the Essex Air Ambulance, having used it just 24 hours earlier at a serious crash.

He said: “Although the patient had a very reduced level of consciousness, he was still aware of us working on him, so the procedure means we can more humanely treat his injuries and reduce the risk of further problems.

“As soon as we could, we got him on the aircraft and flew him to Queen's Hospital, Romford.”

The teenager was later transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital, London where it is thought he is in a stable condition.