Jamie's Story

A moment’s distraction led to a painful accident for ghillie Jamie when his quad bike rolled on a steep bank and threw him crashing into nearby rocks.

Dazed and seriously injured, the estate worker attempted to drive on but collapsed, unable to continue his ride across the remote Angus glens landscape.

“Luckily, we always carry radios, so I was able to call for help,” recalled Jamie. “Colleagues found me about 10 minutes later and managed to get me back to the main estate house where they laid me on a sofa in front of the log fire.”

While adrenaline had fired Jamie’s initial responses, shock had started to set in and pain levels were rising.

“I couldn’t stand up,” he said. “The pain in my back and shoulders was excruciating and I knew I had injured my hip and stomach. I started to really worry.”

Jamie’s workmates quickly realised there was something seriously wrong and dialled 999.

Within 15 minutes SCAA’s helicopter was landing on the road outside.

“I worried that I was wasting everyone’s time,” said Jamie, “but I was so glad to see the team – I knew I was in safe hands with them.

“They stopped the pain, kept me calm and my spirits up,” he said. “They were so professional and reassuring – just the best you could hope for when you’re in a world of pain and fear.”

After assessment and treatment at the house, SCAA airlifted Jamie to Major Trauma Centre care at Dundee – just a short flight away – where he was treated for two broken ribs and internal bleeding.

“Who knows what damage would have been done if I’d been taken that long bumpy journey by road,” said Jamie. “SCAA made it speedy and comfortable, ensuring I was in hospital as quickly as possible with no further trauma to agitate my injuries.”

Jamie was able to leave hospital the following evening, with enforced bed rest at home thereafter and a six-week recovery period before he can return to work.

“I count myself lucky,” he said. “It was a simple accident – a moment’s inattention and your world turns upside down. It could happen to anyone.

“SCAA is making a huge impact on the welfare of rural workers and residents like myself and it’s a huge comfort to us all to know that they are there when things go wrong.

“Working in Scotland’s remote countryside is a real pleasure but we’re all aware that it carries risks and help can take some time to reach you,” added Jamie.

“Luckily, I had SCAA on my side – they were fantastic, just brilliant. They have helped people I know in the past and now I have personal experience of what a phenomenal and vital service SCAA provides for rural Scotland. I owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”