Crash victim's debt to North Air Ambulance

Feb 14 2010 by Rob Pattinson, Sunday Sun

Unhurt David could only watch on as his girlfriend was air lifted to treatment. Despite a tough 12 months, including three months when Katie was house-bound, while her broken neck healed, the couple are still together.

“David has been fantastic. I couldn’t have got through the last year without the support of my family and friends.

“I’ve still got problems from the crash, but I have to remember how far I’ve come. That’s why I have the photos, to remind how bad I was straight afterwards.

“The whole of the last year has been a case of getting myself back together. I had to wear a neck brace for three months, 24 hours a day. It was awful and so uncomfortable.

“I’ve had to attend clinics and plastic surgery appointments. There’s been no way to forget about the accident, which has been very difficult to come to terms with.

“I couldn’t look in a mirror for two weeks after the accident. Looks did matter to me, I think they do to everyone, especially when you’re young, and no one wants to see themselves in that sort of state.

“When I eventually looked at myself I was shocked. I just burst into tears because it was horrible.

“My family were amazing and refused to let my head go down and the doctors said they would be able to help me.

“My dad took pictures at the time because he said I’d want to see. I’m glad he did, because I can look back and realise how much closer I am now to how I was before.

“It’s very difficult to see, but something like that makes you realise what’s important. It makes you savour every minute you have with the people who matter.”

Katie’s recovery meant a huge set-back in all aspects of her life.

After returning to her work in a marketing department, she realised she still wasn’t ready and is only now starting to consider her career options again.

The accident also meant Katie and David had to postpone their plans to buy a house, although they have now moved in together.

Katie said: “It’s been very difficult for everyone, but we’re getting there. And I still take excellent care of my nails. I can see the funny side now I’m feeling much better.

“I’m just so grateful the Air Ambulance were there. It meant they got me to the hospital in just minutes. They’ve been so comforting to me throughout my recovery.

“You don’t expect this sort of thing to happen and you never think about it until it happens to you. That’s when you realise how important the charity is.

“I’ve always supported them. My parents had a post office so we would always have a collection box in there for people to put money in.

“But now I really understand how vital their work is. I’ve had to battle to get my life back together, but they gave me the best possible chance of being able to do that by being there so quickly after the accident.

“Their help has meant so much. The bottom line is they helped save my life.

“When you’re involved in something like this you get to see how brilliant the professionals at the Air Ambulance and the medical team at James Cook Hospital really are. They have all just been amazing.”

As with all the people whose lives they save, the Air Ambulance have monitored Katie’s progress since they arrived at her side to begin treatment on her injuries.

Great North Air Ambulance spokeswoman Sarah Booth said: “Our paramedics were touched by the bravery and determination of Katie from the moment they arrived at the scene to treat her.

“We were called in because she had suffered such horrific injuries that it was suspected a doctor would be needed at the scene.

“Our team stabilised her at the roadside then transferred her to James Cook Hospital where she was passed over to the care of the fantastic medical staff there.

“As often proves to be the case with victims injured in serious car crashes, the recovery can be long, slow and hard. We know it has been an extremely difficult time for Katie.

“Many of the scars are not physical and can take longer to heal than cuts and breaks. That is why our care doesn’t just finish when we deliver casualties to hospitals.

“Our medical staff continue to monitor their progress and give them as much support as they need every step of the way back to full health. When you help save someone’s life it’s impossible not to care about what happens to them afterwards.

“We haven’t been surprised by the bravery and determination Katie has shown, and the support and loyalty she has received from her family and friends.

“The paramedics who attended to Katie are delighted by her recovery and wish her all the best for the future, as we all do.”