16 December 2022
Earlier this week, while heading to a routine job on the A6 Moneynick bypass, Northern Ireland AA patrol Paddy Healy came across a road traffic collision (RTC) involving multiple vehicles.
The vehicles had lost control due to black ice on a 60mph A road. Without a thought for his own safety, Paddy protected the scene with his AA van and got the drivers & passengers up the grass bank just seconds before a further car lost control and crashed where the drivers had been standing.
"Patrols like Paddy make the AA what it is, and to say that we’re extremely proud of him, would be an understatement."
As the chaos ensued, Paddy continued to manage the scene by keeping people safe while awaiting the arrival of the police. When the police arrived, they also lost control and struck the recovery truck attending the RTC.
Paddy’s final act of bravery was to free a child from a stricken car and safely up the bank seconds before that car was struck from behind.
Paddy only left the scene once the road was closed, preventing any further crashes and continued helping AA members until the end of his shift later that evening.
Edmund King, AA president said: “AA patrols are renowned for going the extra mile to help our members, but Paddy’s heroic actions during this incident were quite extraordinary.
“Not only did he free a small child from a vehicle, moments before it was struck, but he used his experience and AA training to stay calm, manage the scene and get the drivers involved to a safe location.
“Patrols like Paddy make the AA what it is, and to say that we’re extremely proud of him, would be an understatement. Well done, Paddy.”
In total 7 vehicles, 2 police cars, and a recovery truck were damaged.