Stalham and Smallburgh First Responders speak about rescuing a man in his 70s from his car during cold spell

Stalham first responders. Picture: Tim Thirst (Image: Archant)

With snowdrifts of 4ft deep, they left their vehicle and, carrying their kit, went looking for the man on foot.

He was struggling to breathe and could not get out of the vehicle and walk away.

As the ambulance could not get there because of the snow, the first responders towed his car to a site they could access.

Group co-ordinator Tim Thirst said: 'Soon the patient was on his way to hospital and after 48 hours' treatment he was fully recovered.

Stalham first responders. Picture: Tim Thirst (Image: Archant)

'In hindsight - given the snow was steadily building up around the vehicle - if someone had not got to him, the consequences don't bear thinking about.'

It happened in the Happisburgh area on Wednesday, February 28, between about 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

First responder Stalham group out early braving the chill and checking road access in the area in 4X4s.L to R, John Brooks (deputy group co-ordinator), Tim Thirst (group co-ordinator), Karen Smithson (deputy group co-ordinator). Picture: Tim Thirst (Image: Archant)

Stalham First Responders. Picture: Tim Thirst (Image: Archant)