Pensioner spent three days trapped underneath floorboards in home before rescue (2025)

Neil hadn’t been seen for three days. He had crawled into a tight space beneath a cupboard to inspect his plumbing when he became stuck.

An 85-year-old man was dramatically rescued after spending three days trapped under the floorboards of his home without food or water.

Neil, from Edinburgh, had crawled into a tight space beneath a cupboard to inspect his plumbing when he became stuck and unable to free himself. The ordeal, which took place in his bungalow, was featured in the latest episode of BBC Scotland's Paramedics on Scene.

The episode followed Scottish Ambulance Service’s Special Operations Response Team ( SORT) paramedics Leigh Law and Philip Campbell, who were dispatched from Newbridge to attend the unusual call.

Upon their arrival, fire crews and fellow paramedics were already at the scene, working to tear up the carpet and reach Neil. Emergency responders said the pensioner hadn’t been seen for three days and was suspected to be without access to food or water the entire time.

Rescuers were puzzled by how Neil had managed to get into such a confined space beneath his home. His neighbours had discovered him, prompting the emergency response. When finally located, Neil was covered in dust and debris but miraculously appeared uninjured, though visibly dazed and weak.

"The space he was in was tiny. The depth probably wasn't even up to our knees. He was just covered in dirt and dust and looked really weak," said Leigh.

To stabilise him, paramedics administered oxygen and IV fluids before beginning the delicate process of freeing him from the cramped void.

Philp explained the urgency: "Toxins relief from the muscles can enter the bloodstream and then be released into the rest of the body which can then lead to a shock or cardiac arrest. We needed to get him out flat in order to avoid releasing any of these horrible toxins."

Using a scoop stretcher, the team carefully lifted Neil out while keeping him flat. However, his condition began to deteriorate once he was inside the ambulance. Paramedics noticed his skin tone changing and involuntary spasms starting to occur.

After stabilising him once again, the crew transported Neil to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for further treatment.

Reflecting on the bizarre rescue, Leigh said: "It was actually a bit surreal, not a job you go to every day as nobody expects to find an 85-year-old gentleman under the floorboards of a house and especially in such a tight space.

"There wasn't even room to crawl about. I don't know how he has managed it to be honest. He's certainly not out of the woods given his age and the fact he looked quite frail. We just have to hope it has a good outcome."

Remarkably, Neil was later interviewed at home by the show’s film crew after his recovery. He explained how he ended up trapped under the floor.

He said: "I don't even remember them getting me out. Apparently I was talking but I have no recollection of that.

"The point of the exercise going under the floor was to check the pipeline out and make sure there wasn't any leaks. After opening up the hatch in the hall I got my extension lead down to give me a good light and that was it.

"I remember nothing. I can't even recall crawling around or nothing like that. I was in hospital for three days but all I came out with was pressure sores from lying on the rubble for three days.

"I guess with most people if you want a job done in your house you do it yourself, but I've stopped now."

Paramedics on Scene continues Tuesdays at 9pm on BBC Scotland.