The police sergeant shot during the Ta’ Giorni incident, Johann Vella, was “essentially 10 minutes away from death” when emergency medics reached him, a court has heard.Emergency doctor Jonathan Joslin testified during the compilation of evidence against John Agius, the 74-year-old accused of attempting to murder Sergeant Johann Vella and Constable Omar Sharif during a shooting on 24th July.Joslin told the court he arrived at the scene within 10 minutes as part of the emergency medical response. He was informed that two police officers had been injured and that the alleged gunman remained inside the property.He recalled SIU officers suddenly carrying an injured Sergeant Vella into the casualty area. The officer had suffered a blocked airway and had to be intubated immediately at the scene before being rushed to Mater Dei Hospital.Responding to questions from Vella’s lawyer, Joslin said the emergency procedure was vital to keeping the officer alive.“Essentially, he was 10 minutes away from death,” the doctor told the court.Earlier in the proceedings, another emergency physician, Dr Michael Spiteri, similarly testified that Vella had only “a few minutes of life” left without immediate intervention, describing his injuries as so severe that there was a real possibility he could have died that day.The court also heard that Constable Omar Sharif’s injuries were less severe. Joslin said Sharif suffered wounds to his neck, forearm and right calf but was conscious and able to walk when he was brought out of the property before being taken to hospital for further treatment.Agius has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charges and related offences. The compilation of evidence is ongoing.•