Rebecca Selkirk

North Yorkshire Rider Assisted by Yorkshire Air Ambulance After Serious Horse Incident

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Chloe Smith, 27, from West Lutton near Malton, will feature in the upcoming episode of Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Really on Friday, March 7th at 9 PM. The episode showcases the rapid response of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s (YAA) critical care team after Chloe was seriously injured after falling from her horse.

While making her way back to the stables after a routine winter hack, Chloe’s young horse, Comet, suddenly spooked at a puddle, throwing her off balance. She fell heavily to the ground, landing awkwardly on her leg and feeling immediate, intense pain. Sensing something was wrong, Comet instinctively sought help, approaching a postman who was getting into his van on a nearby street. Realising the horse was unattended and missing its rider, the postman followed him back to where Chloe lay injured. He quickly called 999 and helped her to alert her partner and family. As they waited for help, Comet refused to leave Chloe’s side, staying close until friends from the stables arrived to gently lead him home, ensuring he was safe while Chloe received the urgent care she needed.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Nostell-based critical care team, including Dr Steve Rowe and specialist critical care paramedic Sam Berridge, was rapidly dispatched 36 miles to reach Chloe. They landed in the field where she had fallen, prepared for the range of serious injuries often seen in equestrian accidents.

Upon arrival, the team swiftly conducted a thorough assessment of Chloe’s injuries, removing her tall riding boots to better examine the extent of her fractured ankle. Dr. Rowe evaluated her injuries and confirmed that although she had both broken and dislocated her ankle, she fortunately did not have an open fracture. Dr. Rowe explained, “Ankle injuries can be serious if the blood supply is disrupted, nerves are damaged, or the skin is affected. These complications can lead to long-term impairment. However, while Chloe’s bones were broken, the soft tissues around them remained intact, which was a positive sign”.

To manage the intense pain before realigning Chloe’s dislocated and fractured leg, Chloe was given gas and air, a fast-acting pain relief drug. Once relaxed, Dr Rowe skilfully straightened her leg, securing it in a vacuum splint, minimising further movement during transport to the hospital.

Despite her pain, Chloe’s thoughts remained with Comet, asking the team how he was doing. Chloe’s mum, Linda Hoggard, said, “She loves her horse and riding is her life, so I know it will be breaking her heart to not be able to do the sport she loves while she recovers from her injuries”.

After assessing the situation, the YAA crew worked with a local land ambulance team to transfer Chloe to Scarborough General Hospital, where a team of specialists was prepared to perform surgery to repair the damage to her ankle and leg. Chloe had a plate, and six screws fitted in her ankle, and is now fully committed to her recovery.

Reflecting on her accident, Chloe said, “This has been the worst pain I’ve ever experienced – I’d rather go through labour again than break my leg, which says a lot! I’ve been visiting Comet daily during my recovery, and even though I can’t ride him yet, just spending time with him keeps me going. I did have a cheeky sit on him, but that’s as far as I’ll be going for now! Mentally, I want to be back in the saddle, but I know I need to wait until I’m 100% ready. I can’t wait for that day! I am so grateful to the YAA team – they were brilliant and helped me so much in my time of need.”

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 motorcyclist that collided with a car, a 76-year-old walker who broke 7 ribs while walking in the rural dales, a cyclist that was thrown 30 feet from his bike after hitting a speed bump breaking his collarbone and fracturing his sternum.

Mountain Biker Airlifted After Shattering Leg in 15 Places in Forest Crash

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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.

Hiker Airlifted by Yorkshire Air Ambulance After Fall on Remote Coastal Trail

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Gillian Whiteford from Paisley in Scotland, is set to appear in the next episode of Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Really at 9 PM on Friday, February 21st. The episode showcases the rapid response of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s (YAA) critical care team after Gillian suffered a severe ankle fracture during a hike along the Yorkshire coast.

Gillian, 66, was on holiday with her Husband and friends when they set out for a walk along the RSPB Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve, a renowned bird-watching spot on the Yorkshire Coast. The area is an important breeding habitat for migratory seabirds, including puffins, and the group had hoped to catch a glimpse of them along the trail.

As Gillian carefully navigated the narrow, muddy clifftop path, she suddenly lost her footing and slipped. She landed heavily, hearing a loud crunch as pain shot through her leg. Her ankle was severely fractured at an unnatural angle, leaving her lying on the ground unable to move and exposed to the elements. With the remote location making access difficult, her Husband immediately called 999 for help.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s critical care team, comprised of Paramedics Andy Armitage and Tom Chatwyn, were quickly dispatched from their base at RAF Topcliffe in Thirsk. With the remote location inaccessible to a land ambulance, the helicopter was the only viable option for reaching Gillian. Flying 50 miles to the east coast at speeds of up to 160 mph, YAA was first on scene, closely followed by the Yorkshire Coastguard.

The YAA team carried out a full assessment of Gillian’s injuries and quickly became concerned when she lost sensation in her foot, a potential sign of restricted blood flow or nerve damage. To prevent further complications, her ankle needed to be straightened urgently.

To manage the intense pain before realigning her ankle, the team administered ketamine, a powerful analgesic with dissociative properties, alongside gas and air for fast-acting relief. Working closely with the Coastguard team, they carefully prepared to move Gillian. As they rolled her onto a stretcher, Andy expertly realigned her ankle in one swift motion – a critical but painful procedure made more manageable by the medication. With her injury stabilised in a vacuum splint, Gillian was placed in a thermal sleeping bag to help regulate her body temperature before being carefully loaded into the helicopter for the flight to hospital.

Gillian was airlifted 17 miles to Scarborough General Hospital, a journey that took just seven minutes by helicopter. She was diagnosed with a trimalleolar ankle fracture and dislocation and underwent surgery to repair her ankle. Surgeons fitted one plate and five screws on the right side of her ankle, two screws on the left side, and a screw running from front to back through the middle of her ankle. She is now recovering and undergoing regular physiotherapy, with doctors estimating it will take several months before she is fully healed.

Reflecting on the incident, Gillian said, “We’d been looking forward to our walk and had hoped to catch a glimpse of the puffins and other wildlife that make the area so special. I never imagined it would end the way it did. When I fell, the pain was unbearable, and I knew something was seriously wrong. Seeing the helicopter land was such a relief! I can’t put into words how grateful I am to the YAA team and everyone who helped me that day. Their skill and care made all the difference, and I’ll never forget what they did for me.”

Yorkshire Air 999 continues to provide a unique behind-the-scenes look at the lifesaving work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, showcasing the critical role the service plays across the region. This episode also follows the YAA team as they respond to a woman who suffered a stroke while hiking up Pen-y-Ghent, part of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, a horse rider who sustained serious fractures and dislocations to both arms in a riding accident, and a motorcyclist who dislocated his shoulder in a fall.

12-Year-Old Rescued by YAA After Serious Off-Road Go-Kart Accident at Great Ouseburn

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Eli Jackson, a 12-year-old from North Yorkshire, is set to appear in the next episode of Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Really at 9 PM on Friday, February 14th. The episode showcases the rapid response of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s (YAA) critical care team after Eli was seriously injured in an off-road buggy accident.

Eli had been attending a go-kart event with his family in the village of Great Ouseburn when the lightweight buggy he was in flipped over after he took a sharp turn. As the vehicle rolled several times, Eli instinctively put out his arm to break his fall, taking the full force of the crash. He suffered multiple injuries, including a compound fracture of his humerus, with the bone protruding through his skin.

Local road paramedics were first to arrive at the scene, where Eli was found conscious but disoriented and in severe pain. He reported pain in his head, chest, arm, and pelvis, prompting medics to request support from YAA’s critical care team to provide advanced pain relief and specialist trauma care.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Nostell-based team, including specialist critical care paramedic Tammy Williams, Doctor Rob Anderson, pilot Phil Larkin, and technical crew member Richie Campbell, were quickly dispatched 27 miles from the Wakefield airbase, prepared for the range of serious injuries often seen in high-speed off-road accidents.

With Eli’s family by his side, the YAA team carried out a full assessment and determined that his open fracture required urgent treatment to prevent further complications.

Explaining the seriousness of his injuries, Dr Rob said “An open fracture is not just a break to the bone; it’s also a break to the skin, which risks infection, nerve damage, and in some cases, significant blood loss. This can quickly become life-threatening if not treated urgently”.

To manage the intense pain before realigning his arm, the team administered morphine, a powerful analgesic. Once relaxed, Dr Rob carefully straightened the fracture by securing Eli’s arm in a vacuum splint, minimising further movement during the journey to the hospital.

After assessing the situation, the YAA crew coordinated with the land ambulance team to transfer Eli to Leeds General Infirmary, a major trauma centre, by road. There, a team of specialists was ready to perform surgery to repair his arm, securing it with wires and a plaster cast. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Reflecting on the incident, Eli said, “I’m really grateful to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team for helping me that day. I took the turn too fast, and before I knew it, the buggy flipped over. I was in a lot of pain and scared, but the team kept me calm and made sure I was ok. I’m so thankful to everyone who helped me.”

Paramedic Tammy added, “Eli was very lucky in this case. Given the injuries he suffered, the weight of the buggy, and the speed he was travelling at without any protective gear, this could have been a very different story – I’m so pleased to hear that he is set to make a full recovery.”

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 fell from her motorbike at 45mph in the rural dales, suffering a fractured knee; a man who fell 30 feet from a ladder while working on a house; and a man at risk of losing his arm after suffering severe nerve damage from an angle grinder accident at work.

Factory Worker’s Arm Saved Following Horrific Grinder Accident in Wakefield

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Factory worker, Adrian Sobanski, from Wakefield will feature in the upcoming episode of Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Really at 9PM on Friday, February 14th. The episode showcases the rapid response of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s (YAA) critical care team after Adrian suffered a serious accident at work, which left him with life-threatening injuries.

What started as a routine morning at work took a devastating turn when Adrian lost his grip while using an angle grinder, slicing deep into his upper right arm. At first, he didn’t realise the severity of the injury—only that he could no longer feel his fingers. As shock set in, he switched off the power tool and noticed blood rapidly soaking his sleeve. Realising the severity of the injury, Adrian called out to his colleagues for help, and they immediately dialled 999. Following guidance from the call handler, his coworkers used towels as makeshift tourniquets, working to stem the bleeding until the emergency services arrived.

At YAA’s Nostell Air Base in Wakefield, Paramedic Stew Ashburner-McManus was monitoring incoming 999 calls on the charity’s Air Desk, ready to deploy the team at a moment’s notice. When the call came in, he immediately recognised the signs of catastrophic bleeding and dispatched YAA’s critical care team. With the factory just seven miles away, the helicopter’s speed of 140 mph meant they reached the scene in just three minutes.

Upon arrival, YAA’s medical team, consisting of Dr Paul Onion and specialist paramedic Sammy Wills, found Adrian conscious but in a critical condition. A local land ambulance crew, who were also tasked to the incident, had arrived just minutes earlier and had begun a primary assessment of his injuries.

Dr Paul Onion assessed Adrian’s nerve sensation and found he had no feeling in his fingers or lower arm. With heavy bleeding and clear signs of nerve damage, there was a serious risk that Adrian could lose the limb. To provide better care and privacy, the team decided to move him to the back of the land ambulance, where they could continue treatment in a safer environment. Before doing so, they applied a formal tourniquet to replace the makeshift one, allowing them greater control over the bleeding.

YAA’s paramedic Sammy Wills explained, “Industrial accidents are always serious, but Adrian’s level of bleeding was particularly concerning. As time passed, he became very clammy, which is often a sign that a patient’s heart is struggling to maintain blood supply to vital organs. To help, we laid Adrian flat, raised his legs, and held his arm elevated to encourage blood flow back to his heart”.

As the YAA team prepared Adrian for transport to hospital, Sammy packed the wound with a specialist Celox dressing designed to control bleeding and maintain stability during the journey. She explained, “This dressing is a fantastic bit of kit—it’s usually impregnated with ground seashells, which help the blood to clot and stop the bleeding more effectively”.

Adrian was transported to Leeds General Infirmary, where a specialist trauma team awaited his arrival. Upon reaching the hospital, Adrian underwent a four-hour surgery to repair the damage to his arm. Despite concerns about nerve damage to his blood vessels, the swift intervention of YAA’s critical care team gave Adrian the best chance to keep his arm.

Adrian’s recovery is expected to take 18-24 months, but he is already back at work and committed to regaining full use of his arm. Reflecting on the incident, Adrian said, “It was scary how quickly I was losing blood. My colleagues did an amazing job applying the tourniquets and stopping me from bleeding out before help arrived, I can’t thank them enough for what they did. And the YAA team arrived so quickly, and I’m convinced that if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today”.

Adrian’s recovery is expected to take 18-24 months, but he is already back at work and committed to regaining full use of his arm. Reflecting on the incident, Adrian said, “It was scary how quickly I was losing blood. My colleagues did an amazing job applying the tourniquets and stopping me from bleeding out before help arrived, I can’t thank them enough for what they did. And the YAA team arrived so quickly, and I’m convinced that if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today”.

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 fell from her motorbike at 45mph in the rural dales; a man who fell 30 feet from a ladder while working on a house and 12-year-old boy who was involved in an off-road buggy accident.

Rugby Coach Survives Cardiac Arrest on the Pitch Thanks to YAA’s Rapid Response

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s hit TV series, Yorkshire Air 999, returns after a season break this Friday, 7th February, at 9 PM on Really, bringing viewers closer than ever to Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s lifesaving missions. In this week’s gripping episode, the team races against time to save a beloved rugby coach who collapsed after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.

Lee Garside, 48, from Sharlston, near Wakefield, had just finished a routine training session at Sharlston Rovers Rugby League Club when he suddenly collapsed. His teammates immediately called for help, with one performing essential chest compressions, under the guidance of NHS emergency 999 call handlers, while another team member rushed to retrieve the club’s defibrillator, determined to give Lee the best possible chance of survival before emergency crews arrived.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance paramedic Andy Armitage and technical crew member Richie Campbell were dispatched to the scene. With the incident just 1.5 miles from Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Nostell Air Base, the team opted to respond by road, in one of the charities rapid response vehicles, which carries the same lifesaving equipment as the helicopter, ensuring they arrived as quickly as possible.

Commenting his decision to go by road, Andy explained, “In cases like this, the helicopter would have taken longer to get airborne and find a suitable landing site. With it being so close to base, going by road, meant we could be there faster to deliver the care Lee desperately needed”.

Arriving first on scene, with a double crewed land ambulance just 5 minutes behind, Andy and Richie worked alongside the rugby team, who had already delivered two defibrillator shocks to Lee’s heart. Despite brief signs of response, Lee’s heart remained unstable, and his condition was critical.

The team continued CPR, delivering three more lifesaving shocks while also providing advanced interventions, including IV adrenaline, in an effort to restart Lee’s heart. After more than 10 minutes of continuous resuscitation, Lee finally began showing signs of life, with a faint but detectable pulse.

With time still of the essence, and a re-arrest highly likely, Andy made the call to transfer Lee to Pinderfields Hospital by land ambulance, calling ahead to ensure a crash team was ready upon arrival while accompanying the road crew to monitor his condition. During the journey to hospital, Lee suffered a seizure, likely a result of oxygen deprivation during his cardiac arrest, further intensifying the urgency of his condition.

Lee spent three weeks in the hospital and was later fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) to prevent further cardiac episodes. Just eight weeks later, his ICD activated again when he suffered another cardiac arrest at home. Lee recalled, “I was just sat watching TV when my vision blurred, and I felt myself slipping away. Then suddenly, the device delivered a huge shock to my heart and brought me back!”.

Now on the road to recovery, Lee continues to coach rugby and is determined to return to the pitch alongside his teammates. Lee continued, “All the lads that worked on me that day, giving me CPR and using the defibrillator, I could never thank them enough. Without them, and the help of Yorkshire Air Ambulances team, I wouldn’t be here today. It’s still nerve-wracking every time I step onto the field where it happened, but bit by bit it’s getting easier.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance attends hundreds of cardiac emergencies like Lee’s every year. With a survival rate of less than 8% for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, early CPR and defibrillation are crucial. Andy said, “Lee is a similar age to me, and it really makes you think—this can happen to anyone. When we handed him over at the hospital, all we could do was hope he pulled through. Seeing him doing well now is incredible”.

The episode will also follow the YAA team as they respond to other emergencies such as a serious road traffic collision, leaving a patient with serious hip and wrist injuries, an equestrian who broke her back after falling from a racehorse, and a cyclist who fell from his adapted bike in the rural dales.

Armadillo Storage Extends Partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is thrilled to announce the extension of its longstanding partnership with Armadillo Storage, which has supported the charity for over 12 years.

Armadillo Storage provides complimentary storage space for YAA’s South Yorkshire fundraising team at its Sheffield Parkway facility, a partnership now extended through the first quarter of 2025, helping the charity save vital resources.

The conveniently located storage unit serves as a vital hub for YAA’s South Yorkshire fundraising operations, providing easy access to essential materials. It houses everything from event equipment and promotional merchandise to fundraising supplies and volunteer resources, ensuring the team is well-prepared to maximise their impact at events across the region.

As part of its commitment to giving back through its Foundation and community-focused partnerships, Armadillo Storage recognises the critical role Yorkshire Air Ambulance plays in the region. Sarah Clements, Store Manager from Armadillo Storage, said, from “We choose to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance because we recognised the essential work they do in the local area. As a charity that relies entirely on donations, we understand how valuable this storage space is to their operations. By providing it free of charge, we can help ensure their funds go directly towards saving lives every day”.

This year, as Yorkshire Air Ambulance celebrates 25 years of lifesaving service, the demand for their presence at community events continues to grow. In 2024 alone, the charity attended over 289 events across Yorkshire, engaging with thousands of supporters and raising vital funds to keep its helicopters flying.

Helen Berriman, Interim Regional Fundraising Manager for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, expressed her gratitude for the partnership, she said, “The support from Armadillo Storage has been invaluable to us over the years, and their continued partnership makes a real difference to our fundraising efforts. Having a reliable and well-located storage space means our teams can quickly access everything they need for events, ensuring we’re always prepared and ready to engage with the communities we serve. This partnership allows us to direct more of our resources towards our lifesaving missions, ensuring we can reach those in need when they need us most.”

This partnership is a testament to how local businesses can make a meaningful difference in their communities. To learn more about corporate partnerships, click here.

Gripple Raises Over £27,500 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Lifesaving Work

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Sheffield-based Gripple has raised an impressive £27,522.26 in support of Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), helping to fund the charity’s vital emergency service throughout 2024.

As a 100% employee-owned business, Gripple’s charitable arm, the Gripple Foundation, is committed to supporting local causes, and YAA was proudly chosen as its Charity of the Year for 2024.

Throughout the year, Gripple’s fundraising efforts showcased the creativity and generosity of its team. From bucket collections at Sheffield Wednesday Football Club to engaging in-office events across its four locations, and through their payroll giving scheme, employees went above and beyond to support YAA’s lifesaving missions.

The highlight of the year was Gripple’s dazzling ‘Cloak and Cocktails’ charity ball, held at Cutler’s Hall in Sheffield, in September. Organised by two of Gripple’s graduate trainees, the ball transported guests back to the 1920s with live jazz, bespoke cocktails, and a speakeasy atmosphere. The evening’s Silent Auction contributed to the ball’s outstanding success, raising over £14,600 in aid of YAA and three other local charities.

Gripple also played a key role in YAA’s annual Recognition Awards evening by sponsoring the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award. This special event celebrates the incredible contributions of volunteers, businesses, and fundraisers who help ensure YAA can continue providing rapid, prehospital care across Yorkshire to those that need it most.

On the night, Gripple’s exceptional support was acknowledged with the prestigious Corporate Supporters Award, a heartfelt surprise for the team and a testament to their outstanding efforts.

Helen Berriman, Interim Regional Fundraising Manager for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Gripple for their enthusiasm and dedication to supporting our charity over the past year. Gripple has made a real difference to our lifesaving work, and their new Charity of the Year for 2025 will be incredibly lucky to have their support. We hope to continue working with Gripple in the future and thank them for everything they have done to help keep our service operational”.

In 2024 alone, Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s critical care team treated 1,297 patients, including 326 cardiac arrest cases, and delivered 417 lifesaving interventions. As an independent charity, YAA relies entirely on the generosity of businesses like Gripple and public donations to continue providing this essential service.

Natalie Rusling, Chair of the Gripple Foundation said, “It has been another unforgettable year in terms of charity and we are extremely proud of the efforts everyone at Gripple has made to raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. As always, a huge thank you goes to our employee owners, whose generosity and time has made a huge difference, achieving the incredible total of £27,522.26. We are humbled to know that this donation will support the vital work the Air Ambulance completes, funding potentially lifesaving trips, helping those in need across our region”.

Group of people on stage claiming award

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Launches Campaign to Add Supporters’ Names to Its fleet of Helicopters

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To mark its 25th anniversary, Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is inviting supporters to become part of its lifesaving mission with the launch of its latest fundraising campaign, A Year Over Yorkshire.

For the first time in its history, YAA is offering supporters the unique opportunity to have their names proudly displayed on the tail bumpers of its iconic yellow helicopters for an entire year.  This initiative allows participants to form a personal connection with the charity, symbolically joining its frontline crews as they respond to emergencies across the region.

Each of YAA’s three state-of-the-art H145 D3 helicopters – G-YORX, G-YAAA, and the charity’s newest addition, G-YAIR – can feature up to 800 names. Supporters can secure their place with a minimum donation of £100, with the option to contribute more to further aid the charity’s vital work.

The campaign’s tagline, ‘Your Name, Their Lifesaver’, reflects the vital role supporters play in sustaining Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s lifesaving work. As an independent charity that relies entirely on the generosity of the public to ensure that life-saving medical care is available to those in urgent need across Yorkshire.

In 2024 alone, the charity’s critical care team treated 1,297 patients, including 326 patients suffering from cardiac arrests, delivering over 417 lifesaving interventions, highlighting the vital role supporters play in keeping the service operational.

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Garry Brasher, YAA’s longest-serving pilot, said, “This is an incredibly exciting campaign. Every mission we fly is made possible by the generosity of our supporters and I have seen firsthand how deeply our work resonates with the communities we serve. ‘A Year Over Yorkshire’ is a chance for our supporters to be more than donors—they’ll be part of every mission we fly for a year. It’s a fitting tribute to the people of Yorkshire and a fantastic way to celebrate 25 years of saving lives”.

Each supporter will receive a personalised digital certificate to confirm their place on the helicopter and will also be able to track the location of their name using an online name finder, enabling them to see their contribution to YAA’s lifesaving work.

Tessa Klemz, Regional Fundraising Manager for North & East Yorkshire, understands how meaningful this campaign will be to those who have been directly impacted by YAA’s work. She said, “Having your name on our helicopter is something that has been requested time and time again by our supporters, especially those who’ve been directly impacted by our work. We are incredibly proud to finally offer this opportunity to the people of Yorkshire. Whether it’s your name, a loved one’s, or a tribute in memory of someone special.  ‘A Year Over Yorkshire’ is our way of showing that every name, every donation, and every supporter is part of our lifesaving journey. We’re excited to take these names to the skies as we continue saving lives across the region.”

As part of the campaign’s initial launch, 20 names from the first panel to be filled will be selected at random. These lucky supporters will receive an exclusive invitation to visit YAA’s Nostell Air Support Unit, where they can see their name displayed on the helicopter in person and meet some of the crew who carry out lifesaving missions every day.

‘A Year Over Yorkshire’ is open for submissions now and supporters are encouraged to secure their place early to avoid disappointment.   All terms and conditions can be found on the YAA website.

This campaign not only celebrates YAA’s proud history but also highlights the generosity and community spirit that keeps the service operational. To find out more about A Year Over Yorkshire or to secure your place in YAA history, click here!

Yorkshire Receives an Early Christmas Gift as YAA Welcomes New Helicopter to its Fleet

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is delighted to announce the arrival of its third, brand-new, H145 D3 helicopter, G-YAIR, just in time for Christmas. Following a meticulous medical fit-out at Airbus Helicopters in Oxford, G-YAIR made its maiden flight into Yorkshire on December 19th, marking an exciting new chapter for the charity.

This latest addition to the fleet will join YAA’s existing aircrafts, G-YAAA and G-YORX, forming part of a rotational system that will ensure the charity remains operationally resilient. This vital addition will provide a no-notice replacement during scheduled maintenance, unexpected repairs, and mandatory crew training. By eliminating the need for leased aircraft during these periods, G-YAIR will enable YAA to maintain seamless lifesaving coverage across the region, ensuring operational availability remains as close to 100% as possible.

Steve Waudby, Director of Aviation at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “The addition of G-YAIR to our fleet is a pivotal moment for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, significantly enhancing our ability to maintain uninterrupted emergency response coverage. This investment represents our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care to the people of Yorkshire, ensuring we are always ready to respond when needed”.

The H145 D3 helicopter is one of the most advanced models of its kind, boasting innovative features designed to enhance efficiency and patient care. These include a five-bladed main rotor that significantly reduces vibrations, ensuring a smoother ride for patients and crew alike, while integrated onboard Wi-Fi and secure communication systems allow patient data to be transmitted to hospitals in real time, enabling hospital teams to prepare for patients’ arrival before they land, saving precious time in critical situations.

Inside the cabin, the medical crew benefits from a modern wheeled stretcher system, making patient loading and unloading faster and easier. This system reduces the need for manual lifting, improving both efficiency and safety during missions.

As an independent charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies entirely on the generosity of the public to keep its vital service running. The arrival of G-YAIR strengthens the charity’s ability to provide uninterrupted, emergency care to the 5 million people living in Yorkshire and its visitors.

Abby Barmby, Director of Marketing & Communications at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “The addition of G-YAIR to our fleet is a powerful reminder of the vital role we play in saving lives across the region. This achievement would not be possible without the steadfast support of our generous donors, fundraisers, and partners. Their continued commitment ensures that we can invest in state-of-the-art resources, like this new helicopter, and maintain the highest level of pre-hospital critical care. As we look toward 2025, we are excited to see the positive impact of our enhanced fleet and continue our mission to provide lifesaving treatment to the people of Yorkshire”.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Aims to Raise Over £20,000 in a Week to Fund Vital Crew Kit

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is proud to announce its participation in this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge, calling on supporters to help raise £20,420 in just one week. As part of the charities ‘Equipped to Respond, Ready to Save’ campaign, the funds raised will go towards replacing aging flight suits and helmets—vital protective equipment that keeps YAA’s lifesaving crew safe on every mission.

To reach this goal, YAA supporters must raise £10,210 during the campaign week, which runs from midday on Tuesday, 3rd December, until midday on Tuesday, 10th December. Every pound donated during this period will be matched by champion funder Candis and pledge funder Beadlam Tractor Run, effectively doubling the impact of every donation. Once the target is reached, they will each generously contribute £5,104, unlocking a total of £20,420 and making every contribution, critical to the campaign’s success.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s medical and aviation crew rely on specialised flight suits and helmets to perform their lifesaving work safely and effectively. These high-performance uniforms are designed to meet strict aviation and medical standards, providing vital protection both in the air and on the ground. As the demands of their work take a toll on this essential kit, replacing aging equipment is critical to maintaining the safety and efficiency of YAA’s operations. Without this protective gear, the charity’s ability to respond and deliver exceptional care to patients across the region would be compromised.

Additionally, helmets are particularly vital for the team, as they are fitted with mounts for night vision goggles (NVGs), which are essential for safely operating YAA’s fleet of helicopters in low-light conditions or during night missions. Without NVGs, YAA’s critical care team would be unable to fly after dark, limiting the services operational hours.

Garry Brasher, one of YAA’s longest-serving pilots, emphasised the importance of this campaign, he said, “Our flight suits and helmets are more than just uniforms – they’re essential tools that protect us and allow us to perform our roles effectively. From the tough conditions we face on the ground to the complex demands of flying in Yorkshire’s varied landscapes, this kit is vital to keeping our team safe. The advanced equipment not only supports our daily operations but also aligns with our vision of creating a Centre of Clinical Excellence, ensuring we meet Civil Aviation Authority requirements. Replacing aging equipment is an ongoing priority, and we’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of those who support campaigns like The Big Give to help make this possible.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is participating in The Big Give for the second consecutive year. In 2023, the charity successfully raised £19,000, covering the charities then daily operational costs. As an independent charity, YAA relies entirely on the generosity and support of people across Yorkshire to fund its vital service, ensuring that the crew can continue to deliver lifesaving care to those in need.

Kerry Dwyer, Director of Public Fundraising at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, expressed her sincere thanks to all supporters ahead of the campaign. She said, “The flight suits and helmets we are raising funds for are vital to our crew’s safety and ability to perform lifesaving missions across Yorkshire. Thanks to our generous match funders, every pound donated during The Big Give will be doubled – turning a £10 donation into a £20 contribution, without any extra cost to the donor.

On behalf of everyone at YAA, I extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who is able to donate to our Big Give campaign. Whether big or small, every contribution will make a significant impact and without your support, reaching our target would not be possible”.

To learn more about The Big Give or to make a donation, please click here and help YAA reach its goal before midday on Tuesday, 10th December, to help keep the crew ready to save lives in the year ahead.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Called to Harrogate Rider’s Close Call After Being Crushed by Horse

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The latest episode of Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Quest this Friday, November 29th at 9 PM, follows the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) team as they rush to Windmill Farm in Beckwithshaw, near Harrogate, to assist an experienced equestrian who suffered serious injuries after being crushed beneath a horse he was training when it reared and fell on top of him.

Joe Billingham, 34, was exercising a horse named, Lolli, in an outdoor riding arena when she unexpectedly reared. Attempting to calm her, Joe used a gentle vocal cue to guide her back into schooling. However, Lolly reared again, losing her balance and falling backwards, crushing Joe in the process. The impact left him in excruciating pain, unable to move or feel his legs, and struggling to breathe. Concerned witnesses quickly called 999, fearing the severity of his injuries.

Local paramedics, first to arrive at the scene, requested backup from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to access the advanced pain relief options and expertise provided by the YAA team. Already airborne and returning to their RAF Topcliffe base after completing a nearby mission, the YAA crew swiftly diverted to the incident, landing safely in a field adjacent to the paddock, ensuring all horses were secured to prevent any further incidents.

Terri-Ann explained, “Horse-related incidents can cause a range of injuries, from broken bones to serious crush injuries. Helicopters can unsettle unpredictable animals like horses, so It’s vital we approach these situations carefully, making sure they’re safely put away before we land”.

Upon arrival, YAA paramedics Leanne and Terri-Ann joined the land paramedics. Initial assessments revealed that Joe couldn’t move from the waist down and was experiencing numbness and tingling in his legs, prompting serious concerns among the medical team. Leanne explained, “He couldn’t move his legs and was describing symptoms that immediately raised red flags for a spinal injury”.

The team administered a high dose of morphine to alleviate Joe’s severe pain and decided to move him from the cold ground to the privacy and warmth of the land ambulance for further assessment. Using a Kendrick Extrication Device (KED), they carefully immobilised Joe, ensuring his back remained straight and his neck stable during the transfer. Leanne explained, “The KED allowed us to safely move him without causing further damage or increasing his discomfort”.

Once inside the ambulance, Joe’s condition improved slightly, and he was able to move his toes, offering a hopeful sign amidst the worrying situation. Following on-scene care, the YAA crew worked with local paramedics to arrange his transfer by land ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary for further scans and treatment.

At the hospital, X-rays revealed that Joe had not suffered a spinal fracture, but he had broken eight ribs in the fall. He spent three days in the hospital recovering from his injuries and is continuing his rehabilitation at home.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Joe said, “As a horse rider, you never think these things will happen to you. I’ve ridden horses for three decades, but it all happened so quickly. I can’t thank the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team enough for the incredible care they gave me that day—they made a frightening experience so much more manageable”.

Speaking about equestrian-related incidents, Terri-Ann highlighted the risks involved. “There’s a lot of protective gear that horse riders wear, but if they aren’t wearing it, the injuries can be much worse when they fall. Thankfully, Joe was wearing his safety gear, which likely prevented even more serious injuries. We’re so pleased to learn he’s making a good recovery”.

The episode also follows the YAA team as they respond to a range of emergencies, including an elderly woman that had fallen from steep ladders in her garden, a cyclist that came off his bike on a country road breaking 14 bones including his neck and a 12-year-old boy that fell from a motorcross bike requiring emergency surgery for his leg.