Hero Scottish doctor’s roadside surgery saves twin brothers’ lives after car crash in Australia
A Scots doctor saved the lives of twin brothers in Australia by performing emergency surgery at the scene of a road crash.
Chris and Ian Campbell, 55, had only minutes to live as they lay in the wreckage of their car in Perth, Western Australia.
But luckily off-duty doctor Chris Armstrong, 33, was stuck in traffic nearby.
After firefighters freed the pair, who both had collapsed lungs, Chris used a scalpel and forceps to cut holes in their chests.This allowed him to insert his fingers to reinflate the lungs and keep the brothers alive.
Chris, from Edinburgh, is working as a registrar at Royal Perth Hospital.
The Campbell brothers emigrated to Australia in the 60s with their Scottish mum and work as plasterers.
Ian remains in intensive care following the November 12 crash. But an emotional Chris Campbell has thanked the life-saving doctor.
He said tearfully: “I was a minute from leaving the planet. The guy is a legend.
“He was just stuck in traffic like everyone else, he didn’t need to help but he did.”
The brothers’ sister Karen added: “I heard the story and I burst into tears. The boys survived only thanks to the quick-thinking actions of one of Edinburgh’s sons.
“Their injuries were extensive but they survived. The whole family are just so grateful.”
Modest Chris said: “It was a case of right time, right place, right team.”
