Mike Horberry, 52, is set to appear in the next episode of Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Really at 9 PM on Friday, February 28th. The episode showcases the rapid response of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s (YAA) critical care team after Mike suffered a devastating leg injury, shattering his femur in 15 places while mountain biking with friends in an East Yorkshire forest.
Mike was out riding with friends when he hit a hidden jump at speed. Losing control of his bike, he was thrown over the bike’s handlebars, landing heavily with his leg twisted at an unnatural angle. The pain was instant and excruciating, leaving Mike unable to move on the cold forest floor. Realising the severity of his injuries, his friends quickly called 999 for help.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Nostell-based critical care team, including Pilot Phil Larkin, Technical Crew Member Loz Lyles and specialist critical care paramedics Ant Platt and Stew Ashburner-McManus, were swiftly dispatched 36 miles to reach Mike. As the helicopter approached, dense tree cover made it difficult to locate him. Acting swiftly, YAA’s dispatcher contacted the original 999 caller and instructed the group to move to the edge of the woods and signal their location by flashing their phone torches. Spotting the lights, Phil landed in a nearby wheat field, before the crew followed the cyclists into the woods.
Upon arrival, the team quickly assessed Mike’s injuries. His femur, the longest and strongest bone in the body, was visibly misaligned, and the extreme position of his leg suggested a serious fracture. Paramedic Ant explained, “A femur fracture is a significant injury. The leg was pinned up near his armpit, and we could immediately see the severity of the situation. Stabilising and transporting him is a lengthy process, so we knew we’d be with Mike for some time, ensuring he was as comfortable as possible”.
To manage Mike’s pain before realigning his leg for transport, the team administered gas and air alongside ketamine, a powerful analgesic commonly used in emergency medicine. As Paramedic Ant explained, “Ketamine is a really effective drug for procedures like realigning a limb. It provides significant pain relief and some sedation, which helps us work more effectively. It also helps to release any muscle spasms, making the realignment smoother. It’s a very safe drug, but it can be a little unpredictable depending on the patient’s medical history. We always encourage those around the patient to stay calm and quiet, monitoring them closely for any adverse reactions. Ketamine is also dissociative, so Mike won’t remember the procedure afterward”.
Once the medication took effect, Stew and Ant skilfully rolled Mike onto a scoop stretcher, realigning his leg in the process. While Ant applied traction and secured the leg with a Kendrick splint, Stew conducted a secondary assessment to check for any other injuries. Mike was then placed in a thermal sleeping bag to prevent further heat loss after lying on the cold forest floor.
With assistance from his fellow cyclists, the YAA team carried Mike out of the woods to the waiting helicopter. He was airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary, a major trauma centre, with the flight taking just three minutes. Scans later confirmed that Mike had shattered his femur in 15 places, requiring extensive surgery, and doctors have advised that his leg may never fully heal.
Reflecting on the accident, Mike said, “I’m very competitive, and I was pushing to get to the front of the group. I didn’t see the jump, and when I landed, the pain was like nothing I’d ever felt. My foot was basically under my armpit, and I couldn’t move without screaming. It was freezing cold on the ground, and I was shivering so much. When I heard the helicopter landing, I knew I was in safe hands”.
He continued, “The biggest impact has been on my lifestyle. I can’t do the things I love anymore, especially cycling. But I’ve come a long way since the accident—I’m back at work now, and I’m hoping that within the next 12 months, I’ll be back on my bike”.
Yorkshire Air 999 continues to offer a unique insight into the vital work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, highlighting the critical role the service plays in saving lives across the region. The episode also follows the YAA team as they respond to other emergencies, including a woman who suffered a fractured skull and multiple brain bleeds after being kicked in the head by her horse, a motorcyclist injured in a collision with a van, and a joiner who fell six feet from a ladder at work.