Monday 07 April 2025
The quick thinking and selfless actions of a Maidstone AA patrol have won praise from his employer and the wife of a stricken motorist whom he stopped to help.
Late last month, Craig Staples, a 42-year-old married father of two from Larkfield, was approaching a roundabout on the A249, having just completed a repair on an AA member’s vehicle on the same stretch of road. As the vehicles started to slow down to negotiate the roundabout, Craig noticed that the driver in front was driving somewhat erratically, so maintained a safe distance.
Before entering the roundabout, the car suddenly swerved onto the grass verge to the left. Noticing this, Craig immediately activated his emergency beacons and stopped his iconic yellow AA van, creating a safety barrier between the other traffic and the car.
As he exited his van, he was met by the passenger of the other car who explained that her husband, Andy, who had been taking her to a long-awaited hospital appointment, had become ill and seemed confused. Armed with this information, Craig approached the open passenger door, identified himself, and asked Andy if he could describe how he felt?
“Having known Craig for a long time, I can’t say that I’m surprised by his actions”
Seeming confused, Andy, who was wearing running clothes and sweating, following his Saturday morning Park Run, struggled to explain that he’d developed pains in his shoulder and chest. Learning this, Craig tried to help Andy into the passenger seat of the car so his wife, Lisa, could drive him to her hospital appointment and try to get him checked out there, but on seeing how much pain he was in, Craig suggested taking him straight to Accident and Emergency (A&E).
Lisa agreed with this suggestion, but as her important appointment was at a different hospital, felt torn between the two. At this point, Craig stepped in and offered to take Andy to A&E at Maidstone Hospital. After exchanging details, Craig left Lisa to take their car on to her own appointment, later calling her to advise of their safe arrival.
Lisa was later given a lift to A&E by a fellow patient as she was too upset to drive. On her arrival, Craig took her to her husband, and both were later transferred to William Harvey Hospital under blue lights where Andy underwent an operation to fit stents after suffering a suspected heart attack.
Speaking about Craig’s actions later, Lisa said: “We simply cannot thank Craig enough for his actions. His instincts, quick thinking and kindness have literally helped to save Andy’s life, and we are indebted to him.
“Thanks also to the AA back-office staff, who supported Craig’s actions every step of the way – After seeing how the team works together in a crisis, I immediately joined The AA and recommend others do the same.”
Craig’s Performance Leader, Jonny Segger, said: “AA patrols and back-office staff do their best to fix our members and other road users, in addition to their cars, and often go the extra mile to do this.
“Having known Craig for a long time, I can’t say that I’m surprised by his actions – He’s a fantastic patrol and deserves any accolades that come his way following this selfless and heroic act…A special mention also, for Christine Tullett from our Patrol Support Unit, who supported Craig throughout…Well done, both!”
Craig has since been in touch with Lisa and Andy to check on his progress and was pleased to hear that a full recovery looks highly likely.