Crews who attended gruesome murder scene are commended at Westminster

MEMBERS of two ambulance crews who attended a brutal murder carried out by a Penzance man have been commended at the House of Commons.

The five clinicians each received a Special Incident Award from the Ambulance Service Institute for their work following the gruesome attack by Jonathan Cock in the tiny hamlet of Porth Kea, near Truro, last September.

Cock shot businessman Adam Hustler and his wife Amanda, who he blamed for his break-up with their daughter, Danielle. He then turned the gun on himself.

Ambulance staff Alan Mitchell, 45, from Falmouth, and Daniel Griffiths, 42, from Blackwater, were the first to enter the Hustler family home where they met a harrowing and tragic sight.

"In 24 years' service I have dealt with four shootings, but this was by far the worst," said Mr Griffiths, who described the aftermath of the fatal shooting. He was the lead clinician.

Slumped

"We arrived at the house. I passed a woman who was traumatised and slumped by the door. I checked her over and called Alan to deal with her.

"I then walked into the living room and I could see a young girl giving CPR to a man who was bleeding on the floor. I asked her who she was and she told me she was the victim's daughter, Danielle. She was amazing. She told me that her father was a Jehovah's Witness and not to give him blood. She stayed very calm and managed the situation extremely well considering the circumstances."

Mr Griffiths paid tribute to the youngster, whose ex boyfriend was jailed for 25 years at Truro Crown Court for the attack. Mr Hustler died of his injuries.

"There was no hysteria, she showed great courage and kept her head," he added.

It was then that a further ambulance crew from Falmouth arrived, bringing Steve Gough, Andy Williams and David Mchenry.

The crews worked as a team to stabilise Mrs Hustler, who had been shot in the back as she tried to escape, and Mr Hustler, who had been shot in the head and neck with a .22 rifle.

Emergency

Mr Mitchell administered pain relief to Mrs Hustler and drove her to the Royal Cornwall Hospital for emergency treatment. It was not until six hours later that police arrested Cock, who had shot himself in the mouth, at his parents' house in Penzance.

All five ambulance staff were honoured for their work during the harrowing events that unfolded on that tragic day.

Speaking after the awards ceremony, where all five clinicians received certificates and glass plates, the trust's chief executive, Ken Wenman, paid tribute to their actions.

He said: "I am delighted that they have been recognised nationally for their dedication and commitment.

"Each individual has obviously worked above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest levels of patient care in each of these cases.

"Well done to everyone involved."