“I remember the feeling of falling, and not being able to stop myself.”
In December 2020, Stuart was working on his family farm when a fall through a barn roof left him in need of emergency treatment. Landing on a rusty trailer bed below, Stuart had fractured his femur and was suffering a femoral bleed.
GWAAC were called – and within minutes Pilot Alan, Critical Care Doctor Glyn and Specialist Paramedic Pete were on their way by helicopter.
Stuart needed blood-clotting medication to slow his internal bleeding, antibiotics to fight any infections from the trailer, and strong painkillers. The team stabilised him at the scene before his journey to Southmead Hospital, where he underwent six hours of emergency surgery.
“I was told I might need an amputation, but luckily that wasn’t the case. Then I didn’t know if I’d regain movement in my leg. My first goal was not to be in hospital for Christmas – and I managed to achieve that, going home just a few days before! I don’t think any of it would have been possible without the skills and quick-thinking of the GWAAC crew.”
GWAAC takes the hospital emergency room to the patient – with advanced skills, equipment and medicines that can truly mean the difference between life and death. But with no day-to-day government funding, it’s only possible through the generosity of people like you.
“You never know when you might need them. I definitely didn’t think I would, but I feel lucky they were there for me that day. Before my accident I didn’t realise the charity was completely funded by public donations – the only way you can make sure they’ll be there for you is to support them.”
By playing our winter raffle, you can save more lives like Stuart’s. Please, help us be there for everyone who needs us this winter.
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