In a stunning revelation, a senior army nurse has come forward with gripping details about the rescue of Sergei Skripal during the infamous Salisbury poisoning incident. The nurse’s account sheds new light on the harrowing moments following the nerve agent attack that shocked the world and strained international relations.
Dramatic scene unfolds : nurse’s eyewitness account
Alison McCourt, who served as the British army’s chief nursing officer at the time, found herself unexpectedly thrust into the center of a major international incident. On March 2, 2018, McCourt and her family were enjoying a day out in Salisbury when they stumbled upon a distressing scene.
McCourt described the situation she encountered :
- Sergei Skripal was “chanting” unintelligibly
- His arm was half-raised in the air
- He was vomiting profusely
- His daughter, Yulia, had her hand clamped in a “claw”
- Yulia had stopped breathing at one point
The nurse’s quick thinking and medical expertise proved crucial in those critical moments. McCourt, along with other passersby, administered emergency first aid while waiting for paramedics to arrive. Her actions may have played a vital role in saving the Skripals’ lives.
It’s worth noting that this incident bears similarities to another case where a boy falls ill after feeding ducks with Novichok victim Skripal, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of the poisoning.
Medical assessment and suspicions
As a trained medical professional, McCourt quickly assessed the situation, noting several alarming symptoms :
| Sergei Skripal | Yulia Skripal |
|---|---|
| Vomiting | Unconscious |
| Unintelligible speech | Foaming at the mouth |
| Breathing and circulation OK | Loss of bodily function control |
McCourt’s initial suspicion was poisoning, though she initially considered food poisoning or botulism as potential causes. The nurse emphasized the oddity of the situation, stating, “There was no chance of two people having an epileptic fit at the same time and place.”
Dr. Helen Ord, a pediatric registrar who also assisted at the scene, corroborated McCourt’s observations. Ord described how vomit was “pouring out” of Sergei for about 15 minutes and noted that it took approximately 30 minutes for paramedics to arrive.
Aftermath and conspiracy theories
In the days and weeks following the incident, McCourt found herself at the center of conspiracy theories and speculation. The Russian embassy suggested that her presence at the scene was an “extraordinary coincidence,” implying some form of pre-planned involvement.
McCourt vehemently denied these claims, stating :
“My involvement had no connection whatsoever with my professional role. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and malicious.”
She explained that her family’s visit to Salisbury was spontaneous, driven by their children’s desire to eat at Nando’s. McCourt emphasized that no one outside her family knew of their plans, and she had “no prior knowledge” of the Skripals or the impending attack.
The nurse’s involvement in the incident became public knowledge in January 2019 when her daughter received an award for bravery. This revelation led to increased scrutiny and speculation from conspiracy theorists.
Long-term impact on rescuers
The Salisbury poisoning incident had lasting effects on those who came to the Skripals’ aid. McCourt reported that she and her daughter experienced physical symptoms following their exposure :
- Red and itching eyes
- Swollen joints
Although blood tests came back negative for novichok, McCourt revealed that she continues to receive medical treatment to mitigate the impact of the harm she suffered. This underscores the potential long-term health risks associated with exposure to chemical weapons, even for those who were not the primary targets.
The inquiry into the Wiltshire poisonings is ongoing, examining not only the attack on the Skripals but also the tragic death of Dawn Sturgess in July 2018. Sturgess succumbed to novichok poisoning after coming into contact with a discarded perfume bottle believed to contain the nerve agent.
Lessons learned and future preparedness
The Salisbury poisoning incident has prompted a reevaluation of emergency response protocols and public awareness. PC Alex Collins, the first police officer on the scene, admitted that if three or more people had been ill, he would have considered the possibility of a chemical attack. This revelation highlights the need for enhanced training and awareness among first responders.
Key takeaways from the incident include :
- The importance of rapid response and coordination between emergency services
- The need for public education on recognizing and reporting suspicious incidents
- The potential for long-term health effects on those exposed to chemical agents
- The critical role of bystanders with medical training in emergency situations
As the inquiry continues, it is clear that the Salisbury poisoning has had far-reaching implications for international relations, public safety, and emergency preparedness. The courage and quick thinking of individuals like Alison McCourt serve as a reminder of the vital role that trained professionals and alert citizens play in responding to unexpected crises.
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