He experienced danger every day during his three decades as a firefighter, including tackling the aftermath of the 7/7 London bombings in 2005.

But the closest John Willoughby came to death was playing golf at the Deangate Ridge course in Hoo after he had retired.

In a freak accident last June, he was knocked unconscious after being hit in the face so hard that the club snapped. His dramatic story will feature on Channel 4's 24 Hours in A&E tonight.

The 53-year-old father of two was given emergency treatment at the scene before being flown to St George’s Hospital in London.

He was then put into an induced coma to prevent further brain injury.

The programme shows him arriving at the hospital where he was sent for a CT scan.

After doctors assessed the seriousness of Mr Willoughby’s head injuries they were concerned his right eye was not reacting as it should have been.

They woke him from his coma but realised he was losing function down the right side of his body.

Mr Willoughby’s wife, Alison, said: “He was in the fire brigade for 32 years. He loved the adrenaline, the excitement of what was going to happen next.

“So much has happened to him; he went to the bombings in London, he saw such horrific things. To him it’s part of his job.

“He would put his life on the line to save someone. And then he goes off to play golf and ends up…”

Orthopaedic doctor Arash Aframian said: “Whenever someone comes by helicopter you already know it’s time critical.

“Every second counts, you don’t get a second chance. Time is brain function – those tissues are very sensitive.”

To find out more about Mr Willoughby’s accident watch 24 Hours in A&E on Wednesday at 9pm.

The programme follows patients treated at St George’s Hospital in a 24-hour period.

The episode airs tonight at 9pm on Channel 4.