A 23-YEAR-OLD MAN who was run over by a 15-tonne lorry while on a night out has survived horrific injuries.
Lewis Godfrey was "already dead" according to the doctor who was the first to arrive at the scene of the accident. LISTEN to the actual 999 call made after Lewis was injured
His organs were strewn across the road, he suffered massive blood loss and had serious head injuries.
But the Virgin Media technician was taken to the major trauma unit at Nottingham Queen's Medical Centre and – against all odds – his life was saved.
Lewis's body was held together in a blanket and his heart stopped twice in the ambulance on the way to hospital.
He had two cardiac arrests on the operating table and medics were almost ready to give up hope, but they pulled him through.
Today, Lewis, his family and the Post pay tribute to 34 of the medical staff who helped perform the lifesaving miracle. "I'm lucky," said Lewis. "And my heart goes out to every single person who looked after me in my care. Without them, I wouldn't be here today."
Lewis was crushed by the lorry in June. He was one of the first patients to be seen by the major trauma unit, which was set up to increase the number of lives saved in Notts and the surrounding area following serious accidents.
The unit brings together the best surgeons, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and support staff in the region. Medics believe they will save the lives of 60 local people each year. Daren Forward, the surgeon who operated on Lewis, said: "That's why I do this, to make a difference."
Read about all the staff who helped Lewis recover here Read Lewis' first person account of his injuries here