Emergency services responded to the incident on Kilmacolm Road in Bridge of Weir around 11:40am with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews mobilised from Johnstone, Renfrew and Port Glasgow following a call from ambulance control.

Station Manager David Devenay, the senior SFRS officer in attendance, said: “Firefighters arrived in eight minutes and quickly began work to free the man using hydraulic rescue equipment.

“Our crews were operating alongside paramedics and trauma doctors who were treating the casualty inside the vehicle.

“It was decided the safest way to release him was to remove the roof from the car and as an emergency back-up we also removed the door at the same time.

“This was a challenging operation and all three crews worked very well with our ambulance and NHS colleagues to ensure a professional and effective road rescue operation.

“Our thoughts are very much with the man at this time and we obviously hope there will be a successful outcome.” After firefighters removed the car’s roof the man was lifted clear and taken by ambulance to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

A woman, who had been driving the other vehicle involved in the collision, received treatment from paramedics at the scene and was also taken to hospital by ambulance.

Police Scotland officers were in attendance throughout the incident to ensure the safety of the public and the other emergency responders. With the road rescue operation complete they remained at the scene to begin their investigation into the incident.

Emergency services are frequently called to incidents on the roads and the arrival of winter weather often leads to an increase in the hazards facing drivers.

Station manager Devenay added: “The west of Scotland is seeing heavy rainfall and this is one of a number of risk factors all motorists need to recognise.

“The persistent and heavy rain obviously means slippery surface conditions, which significantly increases the distance it takes to stop in an emergency, and it also reduces visibility.

“Even the most experienced driver can be caught out and the emergency services know this too often has tragic consequences.

“Firefighters and our colleagues in the police, ambulance and health services will always do everything we can to help people involved in a collision, but the reality is this is not always enough.

“I would urge all road users to consider the conditions, leave plenty of time to get where they’re going safely and always drive at an appropriate speed within the posted limit."