The man announced he was a trained St John Ambulance worker when he arrived at the scene, in High Street, Dronfield. But, he said, bystanders shielding the casualty refused him access and told him they only wanted "professional help".

The St John volunteer, who did not wish to be named, said: "The casualty may well have needed emergency medical treatment and having a trained first aider at the scene can make a vital difference in the minutes before the emergency services arrive.

"I tried to help but was turned away. I could have helped make the patient more comfortable, or in the worst case scenario the assistance of initial first aid could have made the difference between life and death.

"I would urge anyone at the scene of an accident to let St John Ambulance first aiders help - we don't want this situation to happen again."

A spokeswoman for St John Ambulance, whose volunteers are on hand at football matches and major events, said: "The member of Dronfield St John Ambulance was on scene within minutes of the accident happening.

"Seeing that a pedestrian had been trapped under a car, he announced himself as a first aider and rushed to offer assistance.

"But bystanders who were shielding the casualty refused him access, physically prevented him going any further and told him that they only wanted professional help.

"Days later the same first aider came across another accident and was able to help an injured motorcyclist who had been knocked off his bike.

"The motorcyclist had broken his leg but luckily had landed in the recovery position.

The St John Ambulance member helped calm and reassure the patient until the paramedics arrived."

- For information on how to volunteer with St John Ambulance call 08700 104950 or visit www.sja.org.uk.

What do you think? Add your comment below.

READ MORE
Main news index
Your letters.
Features
Check out the very latest on South Yorkshire's roads - including live traffic cameras on Sheffield's commuter routes - with our Traffic section
Latest sport.