West Ham’s Michail Antonio meets the paramedics who saved his life after horror car crash on the 7th of December 7th, 2024.
Michail Antonio was involved in a devastating car accident when his £260,000 Ferrari collided with a tree in Epping Forest, Essex, during stormy weather brought on by Storm Darragh.
The crash left him trapped in the wreckage for over 45 minutes, with a broken leg and in a state of disorientation.
Emergency services, including paramedics, firefighters, and an air ambulance team, worked swiftly to cut him free and airlift him to a hospital in central London, where he underwent surgery.
Antonio later reflected that he felt “close to dying” and was profoundly grateful for the second chance at life.
Footballer @Michailantonio on his recovery from a potentially career-threatening car accident.
He talks to the emergency services about what they do to help people who’ve experienced traumatic incidents like his.
To watch in full on iPlayer, click here:https://t.co/DNd9FlDwLK pic.twitter.com/apFoKkLr97
— BBC Morning Live (@BBCMorningLive) April 8, 2025
Months later, perhaps in early 2025, Antonio, now hobbling on crutches but with a determined smile, stands face-to-face with the paramedics who raced to his aid that stormy day.
The setting could be a quiet hospital room or a heartfelt reunion at the London Stadium, where West Ham fans have already shown their unwavering support with banners and applause. His eyes might well up – Antonio has admitted to being “more emotional” since the crash—as he shakes their hands or pulls them into a grateful embrace.
He expressed publicly to the NHS, Air Ambulance, and emergency responders. The paramedics, likely humble yet proud, might share their side: the urgency of the call, the smell of petrol in the air, the relief when they found him alive amidst the crumpled metal.
This imagined encounter aligns with Antonio’s journey – his openness about the trauma, his therapy, and his relentless optimism about returning to the pitch.
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance statement
West Ham United forward Michail Antonio paid a special visit to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance’s (EHAAT) North Weald airbase to meet the crew who played a crucial role in his care following a serious road traffic collision. The reunion was filmed by the BBC for their Morning Live television show, helping raise awareness of the vital services provided by the charity.
On Saturday 7th December 2024, EHAAT’s Pre-Hospital Care Doctor, Dr James Moloney and Critical Care Paramedic, Rob Moon attended the scene alongside East of England Ambulance (EEAST) paramedics, Essex Fire & Rescue crew, and Essex Police, all working together to safely free Michail from the wreckage of his car. Driving the rapid response vehicle (RRV) to arrive at the scene within minutes of receiving the dispatch call, James and Rob quickly assessed Michail’s injuries, identifying significant damage to his right leg and expressing concern about a potential brain injury due to his confused state. They administered pain relief, treated his leg injuries, and stabilised him for transfer to a major trauma centre in London.
During the journey, via ambulance, the EHAAT clinicians remained by his side, monitoring him and ensuring a thorough handover to emergency department doctors upon arrival. Their swift and expert intervention meant Michail received immediate treatment, helping to save his leg and minimise long-term effects.
As part of a BBC Morning Live series exploring coping with trauma and recovery, Michail visited North Weald to meet James, Rob and Patient & Family Liaison Nurse, Trish Burton whose team provides aftercare support and advice to patients and their families long after the initial emergency.
Expressing his gratitude for the care he received, Michail said:
“I really can’t remember much about the accident—or even the hours before it and the days afterward. Meeting James and Rob has been incredibly helpful in filling in some of the blanks for me. I can’t thank the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance team enough for everything they did that day. Seeing the wreckage of my car, I know things could have been far worse without their expertise.
Meeting them again and learning about the incredible aftercare the charity provides through the Patient & Family Liaison Team has been truly eye-opening. Knowing that EHAAT is a charity relying on donations to continue this vital work makes it even more important for people to support them however they can.”
SEE MORE: “I was close to dying” – West Ham’s Michail Antonio speaks for first time since car crash
James reflected on the reunion, highlighting the impact these meetings have on both patients and the crew:
“As frontline clinicians we play a vital but relatively short part in a patient’s journey, attending to them when they are at their most seriously ill or injured. That’s why reunions like this are so valuable—it gives us a chance to see the progress they make. Meeting Michail again and seeing how well he is doing was fantastic.
It’s also important to recognise that every emergency response is a team effort. Without the support of the other emergency services at the scene—paramedics from EEAST, Essex Fire & Rescue, and Essex Police—we wouldn’t have been able to do our job. Their quick actions played a crucial role in Michail’s care, and we’re grateful to have such strong partnerships.”
Watch the BBC Morning Live interview here at the 13:43 mark of the episode.
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