‘It was terrifying but I was doing my job’ – London Ambulance Service paramedics help victims of Bully dog attack in latest BBC Ambulance episode

Two heroic London Ambulance Service paramedics have been commended for their bravery when a woman was left fighting for her life after a brutal dog attack.

Paramedics Alexander Kvam and Elizabeth McAleavey received the commendation from the Metropolitan Police Service after PC Marcello Guidetti nominated them for their actions in March last year.

The terrifying incident was captured by BBC cameras and will feature in Thursday’s (22 May), episode of Ambulance. Viewers of the documentary will see the ambulance crew called to a 15-year-old girl attacked by a Bully dog in Colindale, north London.

When they arrive they are met with a chaotic scene. They learn the dog has been secured but when they enter the flat, they quickly realise there is not just one patient, but two.

The teenager had facial injuries and puncture wounds on her body, but the girl’s mother was lying on the floor “absolutely covered in blood”. A blown electrical fuse in the property meant the clinicians had to work by the light of a torch held by PC Guidetti instead of normal lighting.

Alex said: “She was seriously injured and lost a tremendous amount of blood. Her arm was macerated. The dog had bitten through to the bone.”

While Liz went to help the teenager, Alex went to tend to her mother.

He quickly called for a second ambulance crew.

With the mother’s injuries life-threatening, Liz left her patient to help Alex. For several minutes the pair worked to reduce the blood loss and save her life. An advanced paramedic arrived shortly after to help them treat both the patients.

Reflecting on that evening, Alex said: “It’s one of those incidents that you remember quite vividly. It’s burned into my memory.

“We could not have done anything without that police officer. He was genuinely the biggest help.”

London’s Air Ambulance, an incident response officer and another ambulance crew arrived at the scene, helping to treat mother and daughter before both were taken to hospital.

Doctors managed to save the mother’s limbs and both have since made a full recovery.

Reflecting on the incident Alex said:

“The vast majority of calls you go to are not like this – this is not a common type of patient to attend.

“But this is why we went to university and why we became paramedics – to help these critically unwell people and try to make a difference for them. It was terrifying but I was doing my job.”

The commendation, presented at a ceremony in November last year, was a happy surprise for them both.

Liz added: “It’s an honour, but I was surprised by the commendation. Especially being noted for our great communication. But we’ve worked together for a long time and we know each other so well that we understand one another when we mumble or make noises. I know what he wants and he knows what I want – it works well for us.”

Chief Medical Officer Dr Fenella Wrigley said:

“The actions of Alex and Liz that day really showcase the skills of paramedics and I am glad we can recognise their courage. We are all very proud of them for the care they provided at this incident and the care that everyone at LAS provides for Londoners every day.”

The next episode of Ambulance is on Thursday (22 May) on BBC One at 9pm or is available on iPlayer.