Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s swift response to a serious rural equestrian accident takes centre stage in the premiere of Yorkshire Air 999, a new TV series airing Fridays at 9 pm on Quest. Following the success of Helicopter ER, which ran for 9 seasons, this new series provides a fresh look at YAA’s cutting-edge medical team, their courageous patients, and the diverse landscapes and communities across Yorkshire.
In this week’s episode, a routine countryside ride turns into a critical situation when North Yorkshire equestrian Claire Holywell suffered a near-fatal accident with her horse, Emy. The episode highlights Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s lifesaving expertise and their ability to reach critically injured patients – even in Yorkshire’s most remote areas.
While riding through Swainby, in May 2024, Claire’s horse, Emy, was startled and reared up, causing Claire to fall backward to the ground. In the process, Emy also lost her balance and fell, landing on top of Claire as she hit the ground, causing Claire to briefly lose consciousness from the impact. As Emy struggled to regain her footing, she rolled over Claire and, in the process, stood on her chest. This traumatic incident left Claire breathless and in severe pain, causing significant injuries, including two fractures to her right scapula, seven broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a severe pelvic injury, with her pelvis separating at the front and fracturing at the back.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Critical Care Team, comprising Paramedics Becky Knight and Stewart Ashburner-Mcmanus, swiftly arrived from YAA’s Topcliffe base in Thirsk, reaching Claire in just minutes. After assessing the scene, the team quickly secured the area, being mindful of Emy’s agitated state. Becky explained, “When we come into a situation involving horses, especially one that’s been spooked, we need to ensure everyone’s safety. Our goal is to protect the patient and anyone around without adding risk.”
Claire’s injuries were life-threatening, particularly to her pelvis, which carried a significant risk of internal bleeding. The team promptly administered morphine to manage her pain and monitored her vital signs. They then gave her ketamine, a fast-acting analgesic with dissociative properties, providing rapid pain relief. This allowed the team to apply a pelvic binder and safely transfer her onto a stretcher. The dissociative effects of ketamine also meant Claire would have limited memory of the accident and her pain, a benefit that can aid her long-term mental recovery.
Speaking about the importance of rapid intervention, Stewart said, “We can help prevent worsening conditions at the scene, but the actual treatment for injuries like these comes from surgery and advanced care at a Major Trauma Centre. That’s why we aim to get patients to trauma facilities within the ‘golden hour’ – the faster they receive lifesaving surgical treatment, the greater their chances for recovery.”
YAA’s team transported Claire to James Cook University Hospital, where she underwent emergency treatment and monitoring for her injuries, resulting in a 10-day hospital stay. Doctors at the hospital estimate her injuries may take up to a year for her to fully heal.
Despite her injuries, Claire’s dedication to horses remains unwavering. “At this stage, I don’t know if I’ll be able to ride again, but I’m very hopeful. If I can ride, I definitely want to get back on board. For now though, Emy is content just getting cuddles and being in her field”, she said.
Reflecting on her rescue, Claire expressed her gratitude to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team, adding, “I don’t know what we’d have done without them, especially as the land ambulance couldn’t reach me because we were so far from a gateway in a 100-acre field. The crew were so skilled and compassionate and worked brilliantly as a team. I felt very looked after in their care. They were all amazing, and I really can’t thank them enough.”
The episode airing on Friday, 1st November, will also follow the YAA team as they respond to other emergencies such as: a climber who fell 30 feet on the Yorkshire Three Peaks, a man in Harrogate with near-severed fingers, and a 13-year-old girl facing a life-threatening asthma attack in the remote Dales.