Man nearly died after being stung by wasps

Gary Harmer (pictured), 53, was rushed to hospital suffering from anaphylactic shock following the incident at the Crazy Lane Tourist Park in Sedlescombe last Friday afternoon (August 17).

The drama unfolded shortly before 1pm when Gary was helping a friend remove a wasps’ nest from the loft of the washing machine room on the campsite.

After disturbing the nest, the men hastily retreated from the loft, but Gary was stung several times on his right arm and on the right side of his neck.

He immediately started to feel very hot and his vision began to deteriorate.

Concerned campers dialled 999 and looked after Gary as they waited for the emergency services to arrive on the scene.

Wife Sue, 52, said: “He was in and out of consciousness and another lady who was on the site was keeping him awake and was telling him to keep breathing.”

The Kent Air Ambulance was called to the scene, but it was decided it would be quicker to take Gary to hospital via land ambulance, accompanied by the doctor and critical care paramedic from the air ambulance.

He was given adrenaline and antihistamines in the ambulance and rushed to the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.

Sue was taken to a side room where she faced an agonising wait to find out whether her husband of 31 years was going to survive.

She said: “He was taken into resus and I was sent to the family room fearing the worst because he was critical.

“I was waiting for about 10 to 15 minutes then I was allowed to see him.

“He was aware I was there, but I suppose it was about an hour before he came round and knew what was going on.”

Luckily the emergency services had reached Gary in time and he was discharged from hospital just eight hours after being admitted.

Gary was allowed to return home once medical staff were satisfied he was not going to slip back into anaphylactic shock.