It was a dark day for West Ham when news emerged of Michail Antonio’s horror crash but it could have been so much worse.
When harrowing images of the wreckage of Michail Antonio’s silver Ferrari emerged on social media back in December, everyone at West Ham feared the worst.
West Ham and Antonio have since admitted he is lucky to be alive following that horror smash at Epping Forest.
The striker, now 35, suffered a broken leg in the crash – but that was the least of his concerns as the father of a young family.
It was assumed by many that the Hammers’ all-time leading Premier League goalscorer would never play football again.
Horrific new Antonio crash details emerge
Certainly not at the top level with West Ham, where his contract expires at the end of the season.
But Antonio is used to being written off and is now, astonishingly, on course to return before the end of the campaign as a decision looms over a new one-year deal.
That has only been possible thanks to the amazing work of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance team and medics, though.
New details have emerged about the moment that rocked West Ham’s season and changed Antonio’s life and – by his own admission – outlook forever.
Doctors had to save Antonio’s leg and feared a brain injury as the West Ham star is reunited with his heroes.
The Hammers ace paid a special visit to Essex and Herts Air Ambulance’s North Weald airbase to meet the crew who played a crucial role in his care following his smash.
The reunion was filmed by the BBC for their Morning Live television show in a bid to raise awareness of the vital pre-hospital emergency service provided by the charity.
It reveals the sheer scale of the rescue operation which helped save Antonio from a far worse outcome.
On the fateful day – 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 paramedics, Essex Fire and Rescue crew, and Essex Police, all working together to safely free the West Ham forward from the wreckage of his car.
Doctors had to save Antonio’s leg and feared brain injury
Driving the rapid response vehicle to arrive at the scene within minutes of receiving the dispatch call, James and Rob quickly assessed Antonio’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 Antonio received immediate treatment, helping to save his leg, minimise long-term effects and ensure he could still have a career.
West Ham star Antonio reunites with heroes
As part of a BBC Morning Live series exploring coping with trauma and recovery, Antonio visited EHAAT’s airbase to meet James, Rob and patient and family liaison nurse, Trish Burton who is part of the team providing aftercare support and advice to patients and their families long after the initial emergency.
After meeting the team and being shown around the base, the West Ham star expressed his gratitude for the care he received.
“I really can’t remember much about the accident—or even the hours before it and the days afterward,” Antonio said in a statement shared with Hammers News.
“Meeting James and Rob has been incredibly helpful in filling in some of the blanks for me. I can’t thank the Essex and 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 and 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.”
James reflected on the reunion, highlighting the impact these meetings have on both patients and the crew.
Hammers family and star eternally grateful to rescue team
“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,” James said.
“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 and 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.”
The entire West Ham family will be eternally grateful too.
The charity is reliant on donations, public support is essential to keeping the service operational.
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