TWO off duty paramedics have been praised for helping to save a biker's life after he was involved in a horror smash.

The pair were driving along Eastern Avenue, Southend, just moments after a motorbike collided with a Renault Megane.

The biker, a man in his mid forties, was airlifted to the trauma unit at the Royal London Hospital, where he remains.

Rick Davis, duty locality officer for the ambulance service, said the swift response of the off duty paramedics proved "invaluable."

He said: “On my arrival it was clear to see that the patient was seriously injured with him lying next to his severely damaged motorcycle, being cared for by the rapid response vehicle paramedic and a number of bystanders.

“Two bystanders were off duty paramedics passing the scene moments after the incident occurred and stopped to help the patient. Their support in assisting the rapid response vehicle paramedic providing care to the patient proved invaluable.

"The patient was unconscious throughout and was given advanced treatment by the air ambulance doctor for the flight to the Royal London Hospital Trauma Unit.

"The rapid response vehicle paramedic, with the assistance of the two by-stander paramedics, removed the motorcyclist’s crash helmet and then supported his breathing by ventilating him."

Mr Davis said one the biker was properly examined it was clear his injuries were "life-threatening and extensive."

He added: "He had sustained fractures to his legs and arms, as well as a suspected head injury. It was also clear he had internal chest injuries so he was treated to ease his breathing and his lower limb injuries were stabilised and supported using traction splints."

The Royal London Trauma Unit is part of a national network of major trauma centres, with the flight from scene to the hospital taking less than 20 minutes.

The driver and passenger in the Megane walked away with minor injuries.

Mr Davis added: "The passenger of the car involved in the collision, an elderly woman, was taken to hospital where she received treatment for her whiplash-related injuries. The car driver was assessed by the ambulance crew but did not receive any injuries. He escorted the passenger of the car to hospital."

Police are urging witnesses to come forward.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police are appealing for information after a road traffic collision in which a motorcyclist sustained serious injuries.

“It happened at around 9.45am on Friday in Eastern Avenue, Southend at the junction with Bournemouth Park Road. The motorcyclist, a man aged in his forties and from Upminster, sustained serious leg injuries and has been taken to hospital for treatment.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Mark Ammon at Laindon Roads Policing Unit on 101.”