Paul and Alison's Story

Many families have cause to be grateful for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance’s life-saving service – but few have seen two members of their family benefit from the charity-funded air ambulance within three weeks of each other.

PAUL:

It was mid-summer when the eight-wheel all-terrain vehicle Paul and a friend were in somersaulted several times down a steep slope near Dalnaspidal before coming to rest against a large rock. “We both thought that was it,” said Paul. “We were going to die – and then the rock arrested our fall, stopping us dropping hundreds of feet more.”

Both were trapped in the vehicle with serious leg wounds. “I managed to crawl clear and then levered the vehicle off my mate with a wooden post,” recalled Paul. “We dragged ourselves clear and phoned the emergency services.”

With a land ambulance unable to get near the injured men, SCAA was scrambled and soon on the scene, landing within a couple of hundred metres of the accident. “I remember feeling huge relief when SCAA arrived,” said Paul. “I was in a great deal of pain and the crew was just amazing – so efficient and reassuring – and I immediately relaxed knowing I was in expert hands.

“I know now that if ever you’re in trouble and pain far from anywhere, it’s SCAA you would want to help you.”

“SCAA brought relief, reassurance, speed and comfort when I was in a very dark place,” said Paul, “I’ll forever be grateful for their help.”

ALISON:

A couple of weeks later, Alison’s horse sank into soft sand on the banks of Loch Garry, throwing her over the animal’s head.

“My horse panicked because she was up to her belly in this gloopy, silty sand and then she scrambled towards me,” recalled Alison. To protect herself, Alison rolled into a ball as the horse’s hooves thundered off her back.

“The pain was horrendous,” she said. “The whole weight of the horse was crashing into me and I really thought I was going to break.” The horse got free and left Alison in the remote spot.

“I was dizzy and vomiting. I lay down on the grass at one point and passed out. I couldn’t go any further.”

Following a call from Alison’s father, SCAA was soon on the scene. “I’m so glad SCAA was there – reassuring, administering pain relief and putting me at ease. They were wonderful and I remember feeling real relief when I heard them coming and then landing nearby. Their arrival makes you feel everything will be OK.” Alison was treated in hospital for several broken ribs and bruising to her lungs.

“Our family owes a great deal to SCAA,” she said. “Our accidents have made us very aware of the vital role of an air ambulance when dealing with remote and rural emergencies and the need for fundraising to secure SCAA’s future.”

Paul and Alison are now both involved in fundraising efforts for SCAA and actively spread the word about the charity.

“We never thought our family would need SCAA’s service – ever – far less twice within three weeks,” they agreed. “People should never take this amazing charity for granted – you never know when you will need them.”