A BUS driver who miraculously survived a horrific crash has met the doctor who saved his life.

Michael Birch, 44, was driving a First bus on East Road, West Mersea in September when the vehicle was hit by a 15 tonne steam engine which was being transported in the back of a lorry.

He suffered life threatening injuries to both of his shoulders, chest, his forearm and hand, fingers, hip and pelvis as well as a severe laceration to his abdomen.

The Herts Air Ambulance was on the scene within 14 minutes of being dispatched and worked with ambulance crews, the police and fire service to free him from the wreckage.

Pre-hospital care doctor Mashood Qazi and critical care paramedic Louise Rosson started life-saving treatment on the scene.

Mr Birch and his wife Gemma visited the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust’s airbase in Earls Colne to thank Dr Qazi for his incredible work.

He said: “I just want to say a massive thank you to the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust who sent their crew to the terrible incident back in September.

“There is no doubt in my mind that without them I wouldn’t be here today. I had a massive list of injuries and yet the crew gave me the best chance.

“I told the fire crews getting me out of the bus to ‘leave me… I’m not going to make it. Get my passengers off instead’ but they told me they had seen worse.

Dr Qazi said: “Michael was in a critical condition with life threatening injuries when we arrived on scene.

“But by delivering pre-hospital care at the roadside, we were able to give Michael the best possible chance of recovery and with the air ambulance, we were able to take Michael to the most appropriate hospital where he continued his treatment.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

After being flown to the Royal London Hospital, father-of-four Mr Birch went through stomach surgery, two shoulder operations, skin grafts and a reconstruction of his hand.

He is now back home in Greenstead and is hoping to eventually return to work.

In the meantime and has already collected more than £1,700 in fundraising for the air ambulance with help from his First colleagues.

He said: “I came home after a month and it is painful everyday but I hope to return to work. “

It won’t be an easy journey to recovery but driving is what I do. I already miss chuckling with my customers.”

“My wife Gemma has been my rock – she’s been phenomenal and really supportive.

“I want to say an extended thank you to everyone for the donations to my life-saving charity, the cards and well wishes and to anyone who has supported both me and my family through this difficult time.”