In 2010, I fell 35ft to the ground during a simulated parachute landing, my world changed and I had no idea my life would soon be in the hands of Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex.
I suffered serious, life-changing injuries; not only had I badly broken my right arm but I also broke my back in two places, was left paralysed from the waist down and had a badly broken ankle. The injuries to my right leg were so severe they ultimately resulted in my leg being amputated below the knee.
After my accident, the air ambulance crew were with me within nine minutes of being dispatched. When they arrived they worked to stabilise my condition and, because of the specialist skills of the medical team, including Doctor Amy Hughes, they were able to administer extremely strong painkillers that I wouldn’t otherwise have been able to receive until reaching hospital. I was awake for the whole flight to Royal London Hospital and felt reassured to have the Doctor and Paramedic at my side throughout. I spent a month there whilst my injuries were managed before being transferred to The Stoke Mandeville Hospital for rehabilitation in the spinal injuries unit.
It’s impossible to say whether or not I would have survived without the air ambulance’s help, but I do think it’s incredibly likely they saved my life that day. It is because of them I am able to spend the future with my partner and three gorgeous children – something I will be forever grateful for.
