Rebecca Selkirk

In an upcoming episode of “Helicopter ER” airing on Friday night, November 3rd, Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s critical care team (YAA) once again showcases their unwavering dedication to saving lives.  Viewers will witness a gripping rescue operation involving Simon Curtis, a 58-year-old motorcyclist, who was involved in a scooter accident in the scenic village of Whitley, near Selby.

On a cold May evening, Simon joined his friends from a local scooter club for a leisurely ride. However, his bike, with a maximum speed of just 60mph, led Simon to fall behind. Eager to rejoin his fellow bikers, Simon gently accelerated to catch up, but as he manoeuvred through a tight bend in the road, he ultimately lost control, resulting in a painful fall from his scooter.

The critical care team at Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Nostell Air Base in Wakefield were alerted to the incident, springing to action. The YAA Pilot skilfully navigated the crew, comprised of Paramedics, Mikie Williams and Al Day and Dr Jez Pinnell, 10 miles east to a remote country lane, ensuring the team’s rapid arrival. YAA’s medics were the first to arrive at the crash site, with land ambulance crews still 22 minutes away.

A motorist, driving with his family, discovered Simon unconscious and seriously injured in the middle of the road, approximately 12 feet from his overturned scooter, and promptly called for an ambulance. The family remained by Simon’s side until help arrived.

As daylight faded and temperatures plummeted, the YAA’s medical team had to work quickly to stabilise Simon. Cutting him free from his biking Parka, the paramedics began conducting a thorough assessment of his condition. As Simon gradually regained consciousness, he remained disoriented, complaining of chest pains, and was bleeding profusely from a laceration to his head.

During the assessment, Simon’s oxygen levels were alarmingly low, and his breathing was compromised, further emphasising the critical nature of YAA’s intervention. The decision was made to transport Simon by road to Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), where a trauma team were awaiting his arrival.

Tests at the hospital revealed that Simon had suffered five broken ribs and a punctured lung as a result of the accident. Following this traumatic incident, Simon required a nine-week hiatus from work to recover, and the experience left him deeply shaken.

When asked about his future with motorcycling, Simon stated, “I have sold my bike and I have no intentions of getting back in the saddle again.”

He added, “I remember coming over the A19, past some cottages, and then waking up in LGI in Leeds. I don’t ride a high-powered bike, which is why I am often at the back of the line, and that’s why none of my fellow riders had realized that my fall had happened. I am incredibly grateful to Yorkshire Air Ambulance for their swift response and for saving me, they are a fantastic charity, that does incredibly important work and I am wholeheartedly committed to supporting them.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s vital role in saving the life of a young electric shock victim showcased in upcoming “Helicopter ER” episode.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) played a crucial role in saving the life of Fraser Bennett, a then 22-year-old machine worker from Bridlington, following a devastating workplace accident. Fraser’s harrowing experience and remarkable recovery will be highlighted in an upcoming episode of the acclaimed TV series “Helicopter ER,” as YAA’s critical care team demonstrates their exceptional medical expertise during a high-stakes mission.

Whilst conducting routine maintenance checks on a tall piece of machinery at his workplace in Sherburn, Fraser was suddenly gripped to the machine by a powerful electric current. The shockwave sent him into immediate cardiac arrest. His colleague, realising the severity of the situation, promptly aided in freeing him from the machine, resulting in a 6-foot fall from the ladder on which he stood, before initiating life-saving CPR and called 999 for help.

The critical care team at Yorkshire Air Ambulance were alerted to the incident following a call from a local paramedic at the scene, who required urgent on-scene support. Responding from their Nostell Air Base in Wakefield, which was 50 miles away and a 20-minute flight, the YAA crew, including Paramedics Pete and Andy, along with Dr Neil Sambridge, raced against time to reach the rural industrial unit in North Yorkshire.

Upon arrival, the land ambulance crews had already restarted Fraser’s heart, which had stopped beating, using a defibrillator, achieving what is medically known as a ‘Return of Spontaneous Circulation’ (ROSC).

While the primary focus of the medical team was Fraser’s cardiac condition, they also assessed the significant electrical burns on Fraser’s arm caused by the shock, as well as a bloody nose, which were additional points of concern. Excessive levels of carbon dioxide in Fraser’s blood were also a concerning sign, as it indicated the potential for brain damage due to the time he spent in cardiac arrest.

Dr. Neill made a critical decision at the scene to induce a controlled medical coma through a rapid sequence induction (RSI) procedure, essential to Fraser’s survival. At the time, Fraser’s risk of death was exceptionally high, and the precision of the procedure was paramount.

The episode will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate RSI procedure, which involved administering a sequence of drugs to ensure Fraser’s airways remained open, his brain was protected, and he was kept in a stable, controlled medical coma.

Fraser was swiftly transported by air to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, a major trauma centre, for further treatment. Before leaving the scene, Dr. Neill commended the other emergency service crews for their swift actions in restarting Fraser’s heart, stating that the initial defibrillation shock likely saved his life.

Remarkably, Fraser awoke from his medically induced coma just three days later. Eighteen months on, he continues on his journey of recovery, learning to walk again and regain his mobility, speech, and confidence.

Fraser shared, “It was just a routine maintenance job, a general check of the machine. I was up a ladder, and the next thing I knew, I was waking up in a state of confusion, still in shock when I learned what had happened to me. It was an incredibly worrying time for my family; they were prepared for me to wake up with brain damage. However, to my relief, I woke up, and I was quite functional, I’d say. During my recovery, I found myself in a dark place initially; I didn’t want to leave the house, and I avoided socialising. But I am slowly getting back to my usual self.”

He went on to express his gratitude to the team that saved his life, saying, “I owe my deepest thanks to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s critical care team for saving my life. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the emergency services who were the first on the scene and quickly defibrillated me when my heart stopped. Together they have granted me a second chance at life.”

Since the accident, Fraser has made a remarkable recovery. He has successfully returned to work through a phased approach and embarked on a new project, restoring a 1990 Nissan 300ZX car. This has given Fraser a newfound confidence and a profound sense of purpose.

With the project car now restored to its former glory and having successfully passed its MOT, Fraser is not just looking forward to new adventures but is embracing life with renewed enthusiasm and excitement.

Steve Sadler, a 58-year-old avid runner, found himself in a potentially life-threatening situation whilst training for the Manchester Marathon in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. His remarkable journey from crisis to recovery, facilitated by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), will be featured in the upcoming episode of “Helicopter ER” airing on 27^th October.

Committed to his rigorous training program, Steve embarked on a routine training run around his local village of Carperby near Leyburn. Just one mile into his run, he began to feel dizzy and unwell, eventually collapsing.

Upon regaining consciousness, Steve managed to carefully make his way back to his home, where his wife promptly called 999 for help. The YAA critical care crew, stationed at their Topcliffe air support unit near Thirsk, immediately dispatched their helicopter to reach Steve who was in a remote location.

Arriving at the scene, YAA Paramedics found Steve in a dire condition, lying on his living room floor, pale, clammy, and experiencing dizziness and nausea. During the 999 call, Steve’s heart rate was reported to be approximately 40 beats per minute, but an at the scene heart trace detected an alarming heart rate of 230 bpm, nearly three times higher than expected. His oxygen levels were also alarmingly low at 70, and his blood pressure was untraceable.

The YAA medical team administered medication to attempt to slow Steve’s heart rate down, remarking, “When we arrived, Steve was critically unwell. I have never seen a patient with this kind of heart rate still awake and conscious. I was deeply concerned he was going to go into cardiac arrest at this point.”

Steve’s condition continued to worsen during the short flight to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, 35 miles away. His heart rate surged to nearly 260 bpm, causing significant concern amongst the crew. Paramedic Georgina emphasised, “The concerning aspect of maintaining such an elevated heart rate is that the body’s resources become depleted rapidly. When your heart rate is elevated, it demands a significant amount of energy to sustain that rhythm. Once that energy reserve is exhausted, it often leads to a complete shutdown, with the heart coming to a halt.”

After six days in the hospital, doctors diagnosed Steve’s heart condition as a short circuit, requiring the installation of an implantable defibrillator. The ordeal forced him to take a three-month break from work and abandon his marathon training, much to his disappointment.

Steve shared his experience, “I went from feeling fantastic to suddenly overwhelmed by extreme dizziness and passing out. Somehow, I managed to make it back to my house – I am not even sure how I made it home, I was just determined to get home. The medical advice I received was crystal clear – no more running. It was a seismic shift in my life, given that running was my number one passion. Adapting to this new reality has been quite a difficult journey.”

He continued, “The sight of the yellow helicopter is a common one for many residents in rural North Yorkshire, particularly in the Dales. However, I never once expected to be the one needing its services. You never think it could be you. If someone had told me just hours before that I would be in an air ambulance en route to James Cook Hospital, I would have found it unimaginable. It’s a stark reminder that life can change in an instant. I am eternally thankful to the incredible team at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and I’ll forever champion the outstanding work this charity does.”

Steve’s incredible story of survival serves as a powerful reminder of the vital services provided by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the critical role they play in saving lives, often in the most challenging situations.

The Dramatic Road Traffic Accident is set to be featured on “Helicopter ER” on Friday 20th October

In an upcoming episode of the acclaimed TV series “Helicopter ER,” Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s critical care team (YAA) race against time in a critical rescue mission as they strive to save the lives of classic car enthusiasts, Geoff Walton and Chris Devos, who’s 1966 Humber Hawk Estate flipped on its side, entrapping the couple, following a serious road traffic accident.

En route to a leisurely lunch at a stately home near Barnsley, their day took a harrowing turn. A high-speed collision with another vehicle, recklessly driving on the wrong side of the road, struck the couple’s vintage car at a crossroad junction. The impact was so forceful that it sent their car careening across the road, and ended up against a tall roadside hedge, leaving their cherished vehicle overturned, with the pair trapped inside.

Dr Steve Rowe and paramedics Mikey Williams and Georgina Godfrey from Yorkshire Air Ambulance responded swiftly to the scene. In a country with nearly 33 million cars on the road, accidents are a common occurrence, and the air ambulance is often a critical lifeline. The speed of the helicopter enabled the medics to arrive at the scene just five minutes after receiving the initial 999 call at their Nostell Air Support Unit in Wakefield.

The vintage design of their classic car raised concerns about the extent of their injuries and made rescue efforts more challenging for fire and rescue services. The paramedics worked diligently to access the patients and provide the urgent care they needed.

Geoff and Chris were without the safety features of modern vehicles, such as airbags, crumple zones, and pretension seat belts, which likely exacerbated the severity of their injuries. Their sole means of restraint was outdated fixed seat belts.

The windshield of their vintage car was partially detached, allowing rescuers to communicate with the couple from the front of the car. Paramedics and rescue teams carefully extracted the couple from the wreckage on stretchers through the rear of the vehicle. They took extra precautions, moving slowly, to prevent any potential broken bones from damaging or puncturing major blood vessels, thereby avoiding further injury.

Their Humber Hawk Estate, dating back to 1966, was part of a historical year marked by a high number of road fatalities. In that year, the UK witnessed nearly 8,000 recorded road deaths, a stark contrast to today’s improved safety standards.

Once freed, the adrenaline of the crash wore off and Geoff’s pain significantly intensified. He required morphine, a powerful pain relief drug, to alleviate the discomfort, which centred around his hips.

After both patients were stabilised, they were transported to a local district hospital via a land ambulance for further treatment.

Geoff faced a six-month-long recovery journey, having sustained three hairline cracks to his pelvis, which are expected to heal naturally, while Chris broke her left arm, which was subsequently casted. Although the couple are set to make a full recovery, their beloved vintage car was irreparably damaged, leading them to replace it with a 1959 Humber Hawk Saloon.

Geoff expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the swift and professional response from Yorkshire Air Ambulance, stating, “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the fantastic Yorkshire Air Ambulance team. They were incredibly quick and skilled, and it truly made all the difference. I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to the other rescue teams who helped us get out of that car on a very tough day. I’m grateful for the morphine that helped blur the memory of the accident. But what really matters is that my wife and I are okay, and we both feel incredibly lucky that our injuries weren’t more serious. It could have been a lot worse.

He continued, “Losing my vintage car was a real disappointment – They are very rare in the UK. However, I’ve since replaced it with a more powerful Super Snipe, and we’re eagerly anticipating new adventures and hopefully, accident-free memories!”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) continues to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to saving lives. In an episode of “Helicopter ER” scheduled for Friday night, (October 20^th), viewers will witness the tense rescue mission of Arthur Jepson, a seasoned biker with over three decades of experience, who found himself in a life-threatening situation during a leisurely ride on his Honda Goldwing motorbike.

Originally from London, Arthur made Yorkshire his home nearly four decades ago, residing in the South Yorkshire village of Harlington, near Mexborough.

On a typical summer day in August 2022, Arthur was en route to a gathering with his fellow bikers at a local club in Sheffield, a regular occurrence in his weekly routine. Choosing a different, more scenic route and riding at a slower, more cautious pace, he approached a junction when a collision with a car abruptly threw him from his bike. This unfortunate accident resulted in significant injuries, leaving him stranded in the middle of the road.

As Arthur lay injured on the road, Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s efficient response came into play. While on a transit flight back to their Nostell Air Support Unit in Wakefield following another mission, the YAA dispatchers swiftly diverted the helicopter crew to the incident, just 16 miles away. On board was Dr Steve Rowe and Paramedic Tammy Williams, ready to respond to the call for help.

Within a mere six minutes of receiving the initial 999 call, the medical team were at the scene, where they found Arthur in need of immediate medical attention.

Arthur was in distress, complaining of a severe shoulder injury and a laceration on his lower leg. His condition was critical – marked by clammy, pale skin, and dizziness, along with alarmingly low blood pressure that put him at risk of shock. In response to his pain, IV pain relief was quickly administered on-site.

Arthur’s hearing impairment presented a challenge for the medical team. The noisy roadside environment made it difficult for him to clearly understand the team’s instructions and questions. Effective communication is essential in these critical moments to ensure patients fully grasp the treatments being administered, respond to queries from the medical crew, and find comfort during distressing situations.

The team’s tenacity paid off when they successfully located Arthur’s hearing aids, securely stored in his motorbike seat, significantly improving communication, which provided comfort to Authur, whose keen sense of humour soon shone through.

Once Arthur was stable and showing improvement in his blood pressure, it was deemed safe to transport him to Rotherham General Hospital by road ambulance, just a short 5-mile journey from the accident site.

Scans conducted at the hospital revealed a dislocated shoulder. Under general anaesthesia, a surgical team skilfully manipulated his shoulder back into place, followed by a strict course of physiotherapy to enhance his mobility.

Arthur’s fellow bikers, a tight-knit community, rallied to the scene with a trailer to recover his beloved motorcycle. With unwavering determination, Arthur is now working on restoring his cherished bike and dreams of reuniting with his biking group once again for adventures on the open road.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Arthur said, “When I came off my bike, the pain in my shoulder was my biggest concern. I distinctly remember the immense relief that washed over me when I saw the YAA team rushing to my aid; right then, I knew I was in safe hands!  My heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone who played a part in saving me that day.“

Emphasising the importance of proper safety gear, he continued, “I can’t stress enough how thankful I am for having all my biking gear on. It’s not just equipment; it’s a lifeline, and I am utterly convinced it spared me from even more severe injuries. You know, that’s the stark reality of biking – when a mishap occurs, most motorists go home for their tea, but we find ourselves going into the hospital. I’m determined to repair my bike, and this accident won’t waver my determination to get back in the saddle. Biking is not just a pastime; it’s a profound passion that I hold dear.”

This incident isn’t the first time that the YAA has come to his aid following a motorcycling accident. In 2021, he had a similar mishap, falling from his bike approximately a quarter of a mile away from his recent accident site. Fortunately, in that instance, he suffered no major injuries, only serious bruising.

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In a high-stakes episode of the acclaimed TV series ‘Helicopter ER,’ Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s critical care team (YAA) once again demonstrates their extraordinary medical expertise. This time, assisting Damian Galloway, a resilient 50-year-old motorcyclist who survived a traumatic road traffic accident on August 7^th, 2022.

Damian was riding his motorbike at approximately 35 miles per hour when two cars in front suddenly executed an emergency stop just before a roundabout. Trapped and with nowhere to go, Damian collided with the back of one of the cars, catapulting him into the air before he landed on his back on the busy road.

Damian vividly remembers remaining conscious throughout the entire ordeal, a situation where maintaining composure is of paramount importance. An off-duty police officer, coincidentally present at the scene while en route with his family for an afternoon at the coast, promptly halted and stayed with Damian. He played a crucial role in keeping him composed, ensuring he remained still, holding his head in place, and promptly alerting the emergency services.

The Dispatcher at YAA’s Nostell Air Base in Wakefield swiftly deployed the helicopter, carrying paramedics Andy and Steve to the accident scene located just North of Malton along a major road leading to the Yorkshire Coast. Given the anticipated arrival time of over 30 minutes for the land ambulance, the helicopter’s remarkable speed played a pivotal role in ensuring a rapid response to Damian’s situation.

Arriving first at the scene, the experienced critical care crew immediately assessed Damian’s condition, harbouring concerns about his chest, abdomen, and the possibility of spinal complications. To alleviate his pain, morphine was administered at the scene.  Thankfully, Damian’s commitment to safety by wearing the correct protective gear played a pivotal role in mitigating more severe injuries.

Damian, who works as a professional tennis coach, knows that accidents like this could have a devastating impact on his sporting career. After it was determined that he was stable, the decision was made to transport him to Scarborough Hospital by road.

Medical examinations later revealed that Damian had suffered five broken ribs and severe bruising, leading to a painful three-month recovery period. Despite the challenges he faced, Damian is immensely grateful to YAA for their swift response and to the off-duty police officer for his invaluable assistance in a moment of crisis.

Damian shared his thoughts on the incident, saying, “I can vividly recall every moment of my accident. I found myself lying on the curb, overwhelmed by panic, and fearing I had broken my back due to the excruciating pain. I am profoundly grateful to Yorkshire Air Ambulance; their swift response was absolutely instrumental on that day, and their dedication is truly incredible. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the police officer who selflessly stopped to help. He had plans with his children, yet he played a key role in keeping me calm and collected during a daunting experience.

I am immensely indebted to everyone who came to my aid, and I consider myself fortunate that they were there for me. Today, when I venture out on my bike, even if it’s just a short trip to the shops, I ensure that I wear all my safety equipment. Sometimes, it may seem excessive for such a brief ride, but I’m acutely aware that many accidents occur within a few miles of your home, where you tend to be more familiar with the roads and might ride faster. My message to fellow riders is to take the time to prepare properly you never know what could happen on the road and it is better to be safe than sorry; I believe I’ve become a better and safer motorcyclist as a result.”

Also featured in the episode, set to air at 9pm on Friday 13th of October, are three gripping incidents, including Damian’s serious motorbike crash, an unfortunate DIY accident and a distressing incident in which an 87-year-old man on an electric bicycle was struck by a car, resulting in significant injuries.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Vital Role in Keith Thompson’s Life-Altering Accident Showcased in Upcoming “Helicopter ER” Episode

Keith Thompson, a then 72-year-old retired electrical engineer, will feature in an upcoming episode of the acclaimed TV series “Helicopter ER” as Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s critical care team (YAA) showcases their exceptional medical skills during the tense mission.

Keith was in the midst of a DIY project at his daughter’s home in the remote area of Sleights near Whitby when a serious accident occurred. While fitting a cooker hood above the hob, he slipped from his step ladder, severing his wrist on the sharp cooker hood and striking his head on the floor. This incident led to severe injuries, including a lacerated wrist, damage to major blood vessels and tendons, and significant blood loss. He also sustained a head injury during the fall.

Given Keith’s remote location, approximately an hour away from the nearest trauma centre, the situation was dire. Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s helicopter was quickly dispatched from its Nostell air base in Wakefield, flying 60 miles to reach Keith. On board were Sammy and Andy, the highly skilled HEMS Paramedics entrusted with Keith’s life.

Upon arrival at the scene, Keith’s condition was critical, he was pale, clammy, and his vital signs were alarming, with a dangerously low blood pressure that posed a risk of shock. He was in excruciating pain, and his lacerated wrist had caused substantial bleeding.

The paramedics swiftly administered IV fluids to stabilise Keith’s blood pressure. Recognising the gravity of the situation and the likely need for surgery, the medical team promptly decided that the best course of action was to transport him to the nearest trauma centre, James Cook University Hospital in Middlesborough, to minimise the risk of nerve damage.

Keith underwent emergency surgery on his wrist to repair seven out of eleven tendons in his right hand that were extensively damaged. While the accident has left permanent effects on the use of his arm and hand, Keith maintains a resilient spirit. He continues to contribute to his local community centre, determined to adapt to his changed circumstances.

Reflecting on the life-saving intervention, Keith shared, “I’m not one to be melodramatic, but with the amount of blood surrounding me, I could see my life slipping away right before my eyes; I knew I was in real jeopardy. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance team, alongside the dedicated local paramedics, played an utterly invaluable role in saving my life that day.

Although my hand won’t regain its former function, I am immensely thankful for their presence and expertise. I have so many DIY projects I want to finish around my home, but, for the first time in my life, I will have to entrust them to others, which is a source of deep sorrow for someone like me who has never relied on others for this type of work before.”

Also featured in the episode, set to air on Friday 13^th of October, viewers will witness three gripping incidents, including Keith’s unfortunate DIY accident, a serious motorbike pile-up near Malton, and a distressing incident in which an 87-year-old man on an electric bicycle was struck by a car, resulting in significant injuries.