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Rugby Coach Survives Cardiac Arrest on the Pitch Thanks to YAA’s Rapid Response

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s hit TV series, Yorkshire Air 999, returns after a season break this Friday, 7th February, at 9 PM on Really, bringing viewers closer than ever to Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s lifesaving missions. In this week’s gripping episode, the team races against time to save a beloved rugby coach who collapsed after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.

Lee Garside, 48, from Sharlston, near Wakefield, had just finished a routine training session at Sharlston Rovers Rugby League Club when he suddenly collapsed. His teammates immediately called for help, with one performing essential chest compressions, under the guidance of NHS emergency 999 call handlers, while another team member rushed to retrieve the club’s defibrillator, determined to give Lee the best possible chance of survival before emergency crews arrived.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance paramedic Andy Armitage and technical crew member Richie Campbell were dispatched to the scene. With the incident just 1.5 miles from Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Nostell Air Base, the team opted to respond by road, in one of the charities rapid response vehicles, which carries the same lifesaving equipment as the helicopter, ensuring they arrived as quickly as possible.

Commenting his decision to go by road, Andy explained, “In cases like this, the helicopter would have taken longer to get airborne and find a suitable landing site. With it being so close to base, going by road, meant we could be there faster to deliver the care Lee desperately needed”.

Arriving first on scene, with a double crewed land ambulance just 5 minutes behind, Andy and Richie worked alongside the rugby team, who had already delivered two defibrillator shocks to Lee’s heart. Despite brief signs of response, Lee’s heart remained unstable, and his condition was critical.

The team continued CPR, delivering three more lifesaving shocks while also providing advanced interventions, including IV adrenaline, in an effort to restart Lee’s heart. After more than 10 minutes of continuous resuscitation, Lee finally began showing signs of life, with a faint but detectable pulse.

With time still of the essence, and a re-arrest highly likely, Andy made the call to transfer Lee to Pinderfields Hospital by land ambulance, calling ahead to ensure a crash team was ready upon arrival while accompanying the road crew to monitor his condition. During the journey to hospital, Lee suffered a seizure, likely a result of oxygen deprivation during his cardiac arrest, further intensifying the urgency of his condition.

Lee spent three weeks in the hospital and was later fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) to prevent further cardiac episodes. Just eight weeks later, his ICD activated again when he suffered another cardiac arrest at home. Lee recalled, “I was just sat watching TV when my vision blurred, and I felt myself slipping away. Then suddenly, the device delivered a huge shock to my heart and brought me back!”.

Now on the road to recovery, Lee continues to coach rugby and is determined to return to the pitch alongside his teammates. Lee continued, “All the lads that worked on me that day, giving me CPR and using the defibrillator, I could never thank them enough. Without them, and the help of Yorkshire Air Ambulances team, I wouldn’t be here today. It’s still nerve-wracking every time I step onto the field where it happened, but bit by bit it’s getting easier.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance attends hundreds of cardiac emergencies like Lee’s every year. With a survival rate of less than 8% for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, early CPR and defibrillation are crucial. Andy said, “Lee is a similar age to me, and it really makes you think—this can happen to anyone. When we handed him over at the hospital, all we could do was hope he pulled through. Seeing him doing well now is incredible”.

The episode will also follow the YAA team as they respond to other emergencies such as a serious road traffic collision, leaving a patient with serious hip and wrist injuries, an equestrian who broke her back after falling from a racehorse, and a cyclist who fell from his adapted bike in the rural dales.

Armadillo Storage Extends Partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is thrilled to announce the extension of its longstanding partnership with Armadillo Storage, which has supported the charity for over 12 years.

Armadillo Storage provides complimentary storage space for YAA’s South Yorkshire fundraising team at its Sheffield Parkway facility, a partnership now extended through the first quarter of 2025, helping the charity save vital resources.

The conveniently located storage unit serves as a vital hub for YAA’s South Yorkshire fundraising operations, providing easy access to essential materials. It houses everything from event equipment and promotional merchandise to fundraising supplies and volunteer resources, ensuring the team is well-prepared to maximise their impact at events across the region.

As part of its commitment to giving back through its Foundation and community-focused partnerships, Armadillo Storage recognises the critical role Yorkshire Air Ambulance plays in the region. Sarah Clements, Store Manager from Armadillo Storage, said, from “We choose to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance because we recognised the essential work they do in the local area. As a charity that relies entirely on donations, we understand how valuable this storage space is to their operations. By providing it free of charge, we can help ensure their funds go directly towards saving lives every day”.

This year, as Yorkshire Air Ambulance celebrates 25 years of lifesaving service, the demand for their presence at community events continues to grow. In 2024 alone, the charity attended over 289 events across Yorkshire, engaging with thousands of supporters and raising vital funds to keep its helicopters flying.

Helen Berriman, Interim Regional Fundraising Manager for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, expressed her gratitude for the partnership, she said, “The support from Armadillo Storage has been invaluable to us over the years, and their continued partnership makes a real difference to our fundraising efforts. Having a reliable and well-located storage space means our teams can quickly access everything they need for events, ensuring we’re always prepared and ready to engage with the communities we serve. This partnership allows us to direct more of our resources towards our lifesaving missions, ensuring we can reach those in need when they need us most.”

This partnership is a testament to how local businesses can make a meaningful difference in their communities. To learn more about corporate partnerships, click here.

Gripple Raises Over £27,500 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Lifesaving Work

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Sheffield-based Gripple has raised an impressive £27,522.26 in support of Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), helping to fund the charity’s vital emergency service throughout 2024.

As a 100% employee-owned business, Gripple’s charitable arm, the Gripple Foundation, is committed to supporting local causes, and YAA was proudly chosen as its Charity of the Year for 2024.

Throughout the year, Gripple’s fundraising efforts showcased the creativity and generosity of its team. From bucket collections at Sheffield Wednesday Football Club to engaging in-office events across its four locations, and through their payroll giving scheme, employees went above and beyond to support YAA’s lifesaving missions.

The highlight of the year was Gripple’s dazzling ‘Cloak and Cocktails’ charity ball, held at Cutler’s Hall in Sheffield, in September. Organised by two of Gripple’s graduate trainees, the ball transported guests back to the 1920s with live jazz, bespoke cocktails, and a speakeasy atmosphere. The evening’s Silent Auction contributed to the ball’s outstanding success, raising over £14,600 in aid of YAA and three other local charities.

Gripple also played a key role in YAA’s annual Recognition Awards evening by sponsoring the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award. This special event celebrates the incredible contributions of volunteers, businesses, and fundraisers who help ensure YAA can continue providing rapid, prehospital care across Yorkshire to those that need it most.

On the night, Gripple’s exceptional support was acknowledged with the prestigious Corporate Supporters Award, a heartfelt surprise for the team and a testament to their outstanding efforts.

Helen Berriman, Interim Regional Fundraising Manager for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Gripple for their enthusiasm and dedication to supporting our charity over the past year. Gripple has made a real difference to our lifesaving work, and their new Charity of the Year for 2025 will be incredibly lucky to have their support. We hope to continue working with Gripple in the future and thank them for everything they have done to help keep our service operational”.

In 2024 alone, Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s critical care team treated 1,297 patients, including 326 cardiac arrest cases, and delivered 417 lifesaving interventions. As an independent charity, YAA relies entirely on the generosity of businesses like Gripple and public donations to continue providing this essential service.

Natalie Rusling, Chair of the Gripple Foundation said, “It has been another unforgettable year in terms of charity and we are extremely proud of the efforts everyone at Gripple has made to raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. As always, a huge thank you goes to our employee owners, whose generosity and time has made a huge difference, achieving the incredible total of £27,522.26. We are humbled to know that this donation will support the vital work the Air Ambulance completes, funding potentially lifesaving trips, helping those in need across our region”.

Group of people on stage claiming award

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Launches Campaign to Add Supporters’ Names to Its fleet of Helicopters

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To mark its 25th anniversary, Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is inviting supporters to become part of its lifesaving mission with the launch of its latest fundraising campaign, A Year Over Yorkshire.

For the first time in its history, YAA is offering supporters the unique opportunity to have their names proudly displayed on the tail bumpers of its iconic yellow helicopters for an entire year.  This initiative allows participants to form a personal connection with the charity, symbolically joining its frontline crews as they respond to emergencies across the region.

Each of YAA’s three state-of-the-art H145 D3 helicopters – G-YORX, G-YAAA, and the charity’s newest addition, G-YAIR – can feature up to 800 names. Supporters can secure their place with a minimum donation of £100, with the option to contribute more to further aid the charity’s vital work.

The campaign’s tagline, ‘Your Name, Their Lifesaver’, reflects the vital role supporters play in sustaining Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s lifesaving work. As an independent charity that relies entirely on the generosity of the public to ensure that life-saving medical care is available to those in urgent need across Yorkshire.

In 2024 alone, the charity’s critical care team treated 1,297 patients, including 326 patients suffering from cardiac arrests, delivering over 417 lifesaving interventions, highlighting the vital role supporters play in keeping the service operational.

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Garry Brasher, YAA’s longest-serving pilot, said, “This is an incredibly exciting campaign. Every mission we fly is made possible by the generosity of our supporters and I have seen firsthand how deeply our work resonates with the communities we serve. ‘A Year Over Yorkshire’ is a chance for our supporters to be more than donors—they’ll be part of every mission we fly for a year. It’s a fitting tribute to the people of Yorkshire and a fantastic way to celebrate 25 years of saving lives”.

Each supporter will receive a personalised digital certificate to confirm their place on the helicopter and will also be able to track the location of their name using an online name finder, enabling them to see their contribution to YAA’s lifesaving work.

Tessa Klemz, Regional Fundraising Manager for North & East Yorkshire, understands how meaningful this campaign will be to those who have been directly impacted by YAA’s work. She said, “Having your name on our helicopter is something that has been requested time and time again by our supporters, especially those who’ve been directly impacted by our work. We are incredibly proud to finally offer this opportunity to the people of Yorkshire. Whether it’s your name, a loved one’s, or a tribute in memory of someone special.  ‘A Year Over Yorkshire’ is our way of showing that every name, every donation, and every supporter is part of our lifesaving journey. We’re excited to take these names to the skies as we continue saving lives across the region.”

As part of the campaign’s initial launch, 20 names from the first panel to be filled will be selected at random. These lucky supporters will receive an exclusive invitation to visit YAA’s Nostell Air Support Unit, where they can see their name displayed on the helicopter in person and meet some of the crew who carry out lifesaving missions every day.

‘A Year Over Yorkshire’ is open for submissions now and supporters are encouraged to secure their place early to avoid disappointment.   All terms and conditions can be found on the YAA website.

This campaign not only celebrates YAA’s proud history but also highlights the generosity and community spirit that keeps the service operational. To find out more about A Year Over Yorkshire or to secure your place in YAA history, click here!

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Unveils Stunning Drone Show in Partnership with SKYMAGIC to Launch its 25th Anniversary Year

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In a thrilling start to Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, the Charity has partnered with world-renowned drone show creators SKYMAGIC to deliver a one-of-a-kind display, celebrating the lifesaving work of YAA in spectacular style.

The breathtaking show, which premiered on Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s YouTube and social media channels, has already captivated hundreds of viewers.

The production, kept tightly under wraps since May 2024, features an extraordinary light display. The drones first synchronising to form a toweing 200 ft paramedic walking through the sky, before transforming into an exact replica of the Charity’s iconic yellow H145 D3 helicopter. The striking helicopter, with moving rotors and blades before the show concludes with a powerful ‘thank you’ message recognising the vital public support that keeps YAA’s life-saving missions possible.

Performed live to a small, private audience of YAA staff at Park Lodge Shooting School, a long-standing supporter of the Charity, the show has been kept under wraps until now to coincide with the launch of YAA’s 25th anniversary celebrations and has been released on social media to inspire and thank supporters across Yorkshire.

Adding to the authenticity, the cinematic video, created by Northern Visuals based in Hull, captures the essence of a real-life YAA mission, using the voiced of actual YAA crew members which was recorded during a live incident, creating an immersive and emotional experience that highlights the Charity’s lifesaving work. The show was also generously designed and produced by SKYMAGIC free of charge, making it a truly special gift to mark the beginning of YAA’s milestone year.

Patrick O’Mahony, Creative Director and Co-Founder of SKYMAGIC, said, “With our UK studio in Leeds, we are proud to be supporting Yorkshire Air Ambulance celebrate 25 years. As one of the world’s leading drone show companies, the skies are our canvas, and there was no more fitting place to tell the story of this incredible charity saving lives in our region. We hope our small contribution of a drone show inspires others to donate to this important cause.”

SKYMAGIC, renowned for their high-profile drone shows – including performing for His Majesty Kind Charles III at the 2023 coronation concert at Windsor Castle, marketing the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and even landing a 3D A380 plane on the North Runway of the newly renamed Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi – brought their world-class expertise to this unique collaboration.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Critical Care Paramedic Sam Berride, said, “Every time I watch the video, I am filled with immense pride. The drone show is absolutely breathtaking, and the scale of the production is incredible. This one-of-a-kind celebration perfectly highlights the vital work we do and serves as a heartfelt thank you to the people of Yorkshire for their incredible support over the years. I can’t think of a better way to kick off our 25th anniversary!”

The drone show is just the beginning of a year-long series of events and initiatives to mark Yorkshire Air Amblance’s milestone 25th anniversary.

Watch the breathtaking drone show and celebrate 25 years of lifesaving missions across Yorkshire by clicking here.

Yorkshire Receives an Early Christmas Gift as YAA Welcomes New Helicopter to its Fleet

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is delighted to announce the arrival of its third, brand-new, H145 D3 helicopter, G-YAIR, just in time for Christmas. Following a meticulous medical fit-out at Airbus Helicopters in Oxford, G-YAIR made its maiden flight into Yorkshire on December 19th, marking an exciting new chapter for the charity.

This latest addition to the fleet will join YAA’s existing aircrafts, G-YAAA and G-YORX, forming part of a rotational system that will ensure the charity remains operationally resilient. This vital addition will provide a no-notice replacement during scheduled maintenance, unexpected repairs, and mandatory crew training. By eliminating the need for leased aircraft during these periods, G-YAIR will enable YAA to maintain seamless lifesaving coverage across the region, ensuring operational availability remains as close to 100% as possible.

Steve Waudby, Director of Aviation at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “The addition of G-YAIR to our fleet is a pivotal moment for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, significantly enhancing our ability to maintain uninterrupted emergency response coverage. This investment represents our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care to the people of Yorkshire, ensuring we are always ready to respond when needed”.

The H145 D3 helicopter is one of the most advanced models of its kind, boasting innovative features designed to enhance efficiency and patient care. These include a five-bladed main rotor that significantly reduces vibrations, ensuring a smoother ride for patients and crew alike, while integrated onboard Wi-Fi and secure communication systems allow patient data to be transmitted to hospitals in real time, enabling hospital teams to prepare for patients’ arrival before they land, saving precious time in critical situations.

Inside the cabin, the medical crew benefits from a modern wheeled stretcher system, making patient loading and unloading faster and easier. This system reduces the need for manual lifting, improving both efficiency and safety during missions.

As an independent charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies entirely on the generosity of the public to keep its vital service running. The arrival of G-YAIR strengthens the charity’s ability to provide uninterrupted, emergency care to the 5 million people living in Yorkshire and its visitors.

Abby Barmby, Director of Marketing & Communications at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “The addition of G-YAIR to our fleet is a powerful reminder of the vital role we play in saving lives across the region. This achievement would not be possible without the steadfast support of our generous donors, fundraisers, and partners. Their continued commitment ensures that we can invest in state-of-the-art resources, like this new helicopter, and maintain the highest level of pre-hospital critical care. As we look toward 2025, we are excited to see the positive impact of our enhanced fleet and continue our mission to provide lifesaving treatment to the people of Yorkshire”.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Aims to Raise Over £20,000 in a Week to Fund Vital Crew Kit

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is proud to announce its participation in this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge, calling on supporters to help raise £20,420 in just one week. As part of the charities ‘Equipped to Respond, Ready to Save’ campaign, the funds raised will go towards replacing aging flight suits and helmets—vital protective equipment that keeps YAA’s lifesaving crew safe on every mission.

To reach this goal, YAA supporters must raise £10,210 during the campaign week, which runs from midday on Tuesday, 3rd December, until midday on Tuesday, 10th December. Every pound donated during this period will be matched by champion funder Candis and pledge funder Beadlam Tractor Run, effectively doubling the impact of every donation. Once the target is reached, they will each generously contribute £5,104, unlocking a total of £20,420 and making every contribution, critical to the campaign’s success.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s medical and aviation crew rely on specialised flight suits and helmets to perform their lifesaving work safely and effectively. These high-performance uniforms are designed to meet strict aviation and medical standards, providing vital protection both in the air and on the ground. As the demands of their work take a toll on this essential kit, replacing aging equipment is critical to maintaining the safety and efficiency of YAA’s operations. Without this protective gear, the charity’s ability to respond and deliver exceptional care to patients across the region would be compromised.

Additionally, helmets are particularly vital for the team, as they are fitted with mounts for night vision goggles (NVGs), which are essential for safely operating YAA’s fleet of helicopters in low-light conditions or during night missions. Without NVGs, YAA’s critical care team would be unable to fly after dark, limiting the services operational hours.

Garry Brasher, one of YAA’s longest-serving pilots, emphasised the importance of this campaign, he said, “Our flight suits and helmets are more than just uniforms – they’re essential tools that protect us and allow us to perform our roles effectively. From the tough conditions we face on the ground to the complex demands of flying in Yorkshire’s varied landscapes, this kit is vital to keeping our team safe. The advanced equipment not only supports our daily operations but also aligns with our vision of creating a Centre of Clinical Excellence, ensuring we meet Civil Aviation Authority requirements. Replacing aging equipment is an ongoing priority, and we’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of those who support campaigns like The Big Give to help make this possible.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is participating in The Big Give for the second consecutive year. In 2023, the charity successfully raised £19,000, covering the charities then daily operational costs. As an independent charity, YAA relies entirely on the generosity and support of people across Yorkshire to fund its vital service, ensuring that the crew can continue to deliver lifesaving care to those in need.

Kerry Dwyer, Director of Public Fundraising at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, expressed her sincere thanks to all supporters ahead of the campaign. She said, “The flight suits and helmets we are raising funds for are vital to our crew’s safety and ability to perform lifesaving missions across Yorkshire. Thanks to our generous match funders, every pound donated during The Big Give will be doubled – turning a £10 donation into a £20 contribution, without any extra cost to the donor.

On behalf of everyone at YAA, I extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who is able to donate to our Big Give campaign. Whether big or small, every contribution will make a significant impact and without your support, reaching our target would not be possible”.

To learn more about The Big Give or to make a donation, please click here and help YAA reach its goal before midday on Tuesday, 10th December, to help keep the crew ready to save lives in the year ahead.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Called to Harrogate Rider’s Close Call After Being Crushed by Horse

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The latest episode of Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Quest this Friday, November 29th at 9 PM, follows the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) team as they rush to Windmill Farm in Beckwithshaw, near Harrogate, to assist an experienced equestrian who suffered serious injuries after being crushed beneath a horse he was training when it reared and fell on top of him.

Joe Billingham, 34, was exercising a horse named, Lolli, in an outdoor riding arena when she unexpectedly reared. Attempting to calm her, Joe used a gentle vocal cue to guide her back into schooling. However, Lolly reared again, losing her balance and falling backwards, crushing Joe in the process. The impact left him in excruciating pain, unable to move or feel his legs, and struggling to breathe. Concerned witnesses quickly called 999, fearing the severity of his injuries.

Local paramedics, first to arrive at the scene, requested backup from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to access the advanced pain relief options and expertise provided by the YAA team. Already airborne and returning to their RAF Topcliffe base after completing a nearby mission, the YAA crew swiftly diverted to the incident, landing safely in a field adjacent to the paddock, ensuring all horses were secured to prevent any further incidents.

Terri-Ann explained, “Horse-related incidents can cause a range of injuries, from broken bones to serious crush injuries. Helicopters can unsettle unpredictable animals like horses, so It’s vital we approach these situations carefully, making sure they’re safely put away before we land”.

Upon arrival, YAA paramedics Leanne and Terri-Ann joined the land paramedics. Initial assessments revealed that Joe couldn’t move from the waist down and was experiencing numbness and tingling in his legs, prompting serious concerns among the medical team. Leanne explained, “He couldn’t move his legs and was describing symptoms that immediately raised red flags for a spinal injury”.

The team administered a high dose of morphine to alleviate Joe’s severe pain and decided to move him from the cold ground to the privacy and warmth of the land ambulance for further assessment. Using a Kendrick Extrication Device (KED), they carefully immobilised Joe, ensuring his back remained straight and his neck stable during the transfer. Leanne explained, “The KED allowed us to safely move him without causing further damage or increasing his discomfort”.

Once inside the ambulance, Joe’s condition improved slightly, and he was able to move his toes, offering a hopeful sign amidst the worrying situation. Following on-scene care, the YAA crew worked with local paramedics to arrange his transfer by land ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary for further scans and treatment.

At the hospital, X-rays revealed that Joe had not suffered a spinal fracture, but he had broken eight ribs in the fall. He spent three days in the hospital recovering from his injuries and is continuing his rehabilitation at home.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Joe said, “As a horse rider, you never think these things will happen to you. I’ve ridden horses for three decades, but it all happened so quickly. I can’t thank the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team enough for the incredible care they gave me that day—they made a frightening experience so much more manageable”.

Speaking about equestrian-related incidents, Terri-Ann highlighted the risks involved. “There’s a lot of protective gear that horse riders wear, but if they aren’t wearing it, the injuries can be much worse when they fall. Thankfully, Joe was wearing his safety gear, which likely prevented even more serious injuries. We’re so pleased to learn he’s making a good recovery”.

The episode also follows the YAA team as they respond to a range of emergencies, including an elderly woman that had fallen from steep ladders in her garden, a cyclist that came off his bike on a country road breaking 14 bones including his neck and a 12-year-old boy that fell from a motorcross bike requiring emergency surgery for his leg.

Teen’s Leg Saved by Yorkshire Air Ambulance Medics After Serious Bike Accident in Grimethorpe

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Reegan Dickinson, a 12-year-old from Grimethorpe, will feature in the upcoming episode of Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Quest on Friday, November 29th, at 9 PM. The episode showcases the rapid response of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s (YAA) critical care team after Reegan was involved in a serious cross-bike accident.

Reegan had been riding with friends on a wet and muddy field near his home when he lost control of his bike as the front wheel skidded into a small ditch. Thrown from the bike, he sustained a serious open fracture to his lower right leg. His father, who was nearby at the time, rushed to his side to comfort him while they waited for help to arrive.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Nostell-based critical care team, including paramedic Tom Chatwyn and technical crew member Alex Clark, were quickly dispatched to the scene. Explaining the seriousness of Reegan’s injury, Tom said “An open fracture is not just a break to the bone; it’s also a break to the skin, which risks infection, nerve damage, and significant blood loss. This can quickly become life-threatening if not treated urgently”.

Upon arrival, the team was relieved to find that Reegan had been wearing a helmet, minimising the risk of head injury. With his dad by his side for support, Reegan was assessed, and initial pain relief was administered via gas and air. However, the fracture required urgent treatment at the scene to reduce the risk of further complications.

To manage the intense pain of straightening his leg, the team administered ketamine, a powerful analgesic. Reegan’s dad played a crucial role in keeping him calm, sharing happy memories to distract him as the medication took effect. Once relaxed, Tom expertly straightened the leg, applied bandages to control the bleeding, before applying a vacuum splint to reduce further pain and movement.

Reegan was carefully loaded into the helicopter and flown to Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), a major trauma centre, where a team of specialists were ready to perform surgery and repair his leg with a metal implant.

Throughout the ordeal, Reegan showed remarkable spirit, even jokingly nicknaming the YAA crew “Mr Orange” and “Mr Blue” after their distinctive uniforms. Tom said, “Despite the seriousness of the situation, Reegan’s humour and bravery brought positivity to a challenging job.”

Reegan began his recovery journey, which included intensive physiotherapy. Looking back on the accident, Reegan said, “The ground was so wet, and my bike just flipped when the wheel got stuck in a ditch. I’ve spent weeks playing video games while recovering, but I can’t wait to get back to riding—on a new bike! I even got to visit the Nostell air base with my family and see Tom again. My leg was still in its cage, but it was great to catch up and talk about everything that happened that day!”

The episode also follows the YAA team as they respond to a range of emergencies, including an elderly woman that had fallen from steep ladders in her garden, a cyclist that came off his bike on a country road breaking 14 bones including his neck and a serious equestrian accident.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Announces Plans for New Northern Air Support Unit

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is delighted to announce the first steps toward developing a new Northern Air Support Unit, marking a significant milestone in the Charity’s mission to provide critical care to the people of Yorkshire.

Following years of searching for a suitable site, YAA has agreed to purchase land on the outskirts of Skipton on Swale, just 3.5 miles from its current operations at RAF Topcliffe.

The new base will be purpose-built to reflect the exceptional facilities already established at YAA’s Nostell Air Support Unit near Wakefield. The proposed development will create a dedicated, long-term base for the northern region, providing stability for the Charity’s lifesaving operations and ensuring it is equipped to respond to emergencies efficiently.

For over a decade, YAA has operated as a tenant at RAF Topcliffe, benefiting from the invaluable support of the Royal Air Force, the British Army’s 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, and the local community. While this relationship has been pivotal in enabling YAA to deliver its critical service, the Charity’s vision for a purpose-built base reflects its commitment to advancing its capabilities and ensuring its crews can operate at the highest level in the years ahead.

Mike Harrop, Chairman of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “We are delighted to take this important step in securing the future of our lifesaving service. The development of a permanent Northern Air Support Unit will provide us with a stable, purpose-built base to conduct our missions and highlights the progress we’ve made as a Charity over the years. While this project is still in its early stages, it represents our commitment to providing the very best resources for our crews and patients across Yorkshire. The opportunity to design, build, and own this air support unit will enable the Charity to focus on delivering value for money and exceptional critical care to the people of Yorkshire, while maintaining our central presence in North Yorkshire—minimising response times and ensuring we can be there for those who need us most.”

The Skipton on Swale site is a strategic location for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, enabling its critical care team to continue providing rapid response to patients across Yorkshire. Whether attending cardiac arrests, road traffic collisions, sporting injuries, or equestrian accidents, the Charity’s ability to reach any part of the region within 20 minutes remains vital to saving lives.

With the planning application submission imminent, YAA have been engaging locally with Skipton on Swale Parish Council, North Yorkshire County Council, and other local stakeholders. While the project remains in its infancy, Yorkshire Air Ambulance is committed to keeping the public informed of its progress.

Mike Harrop added, “This project marks an exciting new chapter for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which would not be possible without the generous fundraising and ongoing support from our loyal supporters and the wider community, whose contributions are vital to sustaining our lifesaving work.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance operates a fleet of advanced Airbus H145 helicopters, serving a population of five million people across four million acres. The Charity relies entirely on the generosity of its supporters, with every mission funded by public donations.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Rushes to Schoolboy After Serious Cricket Injury in Settle

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The latest episode of Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Quest this Friday, November 22nd at 9 PM, follows the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) team as they respond to a 14-year-old schoolboy, in July, whose PE lesson took a painful turn after a freak accident during a cricket match in Settle, North Yorkshire. 

Archie Goddard, a Year 9 student from Skipton, was fielding during a PE lesson when he lunged to catch a fast-moving ball. Instead, the ball struck his knee, causing a severe lateral dislocation that left him in excruciating pain and unable to move. Concerned about possible vascular compromise – a serious condition where blood flow is restricted to the injured area – YAA’s critical care team, located at RAF Topcliffe in Thirsk were dispatched to the incident.

YAA’s helicopter landed directly on the school field just 14 minutes later, where the team found Archie lying on the ground covered in coats for warmth, with his worried mum by his side. Paramedic Sam Berridge assessed Archie’s injuries, noting the severity of the dislocation. He said, “His knee was severely dislocated, almost appearing like it was pushing against the skin and causing Archie a lot of pain, it was critical we acted quickly to minimise any lasting damage”.

Sam administered gas and air to help ease Archie’s discomfort before skilfully guiding the dislocated kneecap back into place. Sam explained, “Relocating a kneecap requires a balance of realigning the joint while supporting the kneecap to avoid causing further damage. It’s not difficult, but it can be extremely painful, so it was important to keep him calm and comfortable.”

Despite the procedure being painful, the relief was almost instant. Archie, who had been in visible distress, was soon smiling and chatting, and wanting to stand up, showing a remarkable turnaround.

Despite Archie’s improvement, Sam took precautions to prevent any movement that could cause further damage to his kneecap, nerves, or tendons, which could become trapped following the relocation procedure. To ensure stability, Archie’s leg was immobilised in a vacuum splint before arrangements were made for a local land ambulance, to transport him to Airedale General Hospital for further scans.

X-rays at the hospital confirmed that the procedure at the scene was a success and that there was no additional damage, with doctors advising Archie to rest for a few weeks. Now fully recovered, Archie is back to his normal activities, including playing cricket and going to the gym.

Reflecting on the job, Sam said, “It’s rare in our line of work to see such an immediate turnaround in a patient’s condition. The second the knee popped back into place, Archie was like a different person—pain-free and ready to get back to his life”.

Grateful for YAA’s assistance, Archie said, “I’m so thankful for the team arriving when they did. I’d been lying there for ages, and Sam helped me right away. It all happened so fast – I just remember looking down and my knee was completely out of place. Once the gas and air it kicked in everything just went white and once my knee popped back into place, the pain was completely gone! I just wanted to get back up on my feet. The recovery passed by so quickly, now I don’t even remember which knee it was!”.

The episode also follows the YAA team as they respond to a range of emergencies, including a serious motorbike accident, a 2-year-old who had fallen 12 feet from a window, and an elderly diabetic gentleman who became lost on a walk near the Yorkshire Coast, sparking a major rescue mission.

Police Officer Survives Horrific Motorbike Crash with Life-Saving Help from Yorkshire Air Ambulance

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Ben Ashe, a 30-year-old Police Officer from North Yorkshire, will feature in the upcoming episode of Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Quest on Friday, November 22nd at 9 PM. The episode showcases the rapid response of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s (YAA) team after Ben suffers serious injuries in a high-impact motorcycle collision on a winding country lane in Hampsthwaite, Nidderdale.  

Ben was just 0.4 miles into a bike ride after work with a friend when his journey took a devastating turn. While navigating a narrow 60mph lane, he collided with a car, the force of which threw him over 15 metres from his bike, catapulting him from his bike, hitting his head on a dry-stone wall of a residential garden.

A concerned Dutch couple, on holiday in the UK and staying at the property, overheard the accident occur, along with Ben’s friend and fellow biker, quickly called emergency services, staying by his side. Initially unconscious on impact, when Ben regained consciousness, he explained how he felt dizzy and was sick in his helmet, alarming 999 call takers who feared he could have a serious head injury.

YAA’s critical care paramedics, Sam and Becky, were dispatched to the scene, flying 28 miles from their RAF Topcliffe air base in Thirsk. They arrived prepared for the range of serious injuries often seen in motorcyclists, who are 50 times more likely to be killed in accidents compared to car drivers. While on route, Sam explained, “For someone with life-threatening symptoms like this, a head injury of this nature, is at the top of our priority list”.

Upon arrival, a land ambulance crew already at the scene and were conducting a primary assessment of Ben’s injuries, who was now conscious, but disoriented, struggling to breathe, and experiencing severe pain in his shoulder, hip, and neck.

Ben’s protective riding gear, including a helmet, leathers, gloves, and a back protector, was vital in reducing the severity of his injuries. Sam said, “We attend a huge number of motorcycle accidents, and there’s a vast difference between people who wear protective clothing and those who don’t. In this case, it definitely reduced the injuries Ben would have had”.

Carefully transferring Ben onto a stretcher, they moved him into the land ambulance, where they could provide further care in a more private environment. The team administered advanced treatments, including morphine for pain relief and tranexamic acid (TXA) to help stem potential internal bleeding caused by the impact of the collision.

Once in the ambulance, paramedics were relieved to see Ben’s Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) improve, indicating he had become more alert and responsive compared to his initial assessment.

The YAA team coordinated with the land ambulance crew to transfer Ben to the nearest major trauma centre, Leeds General Infirmary, by road for further care. This also allowed the YAA helicopter to remain on standby for any other potential life-threatening emergencies.

At the hospital, scans revealed Ben suffered a broken shoulder, a dislocation of his first right rib, damage to his right AC joint, and a partially collapsed lung, alongside significant bruising.

Ben spent three nights in hospital before returning home on crutches and is now recovering with regular physiotherapy sessions. Reflecting on the incident, he said, “I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who helped me that day—from the YAA team to the ambulance crews, and the doctors and nurses at LGI. The speed and professionalism with which they all responded truly made a difference and gave me the best chance at recovery”. Ben continued, “I can’t stress enough how important protective gear is. If I hadn’t been wearing mine, the injuries could have been much worse, or even fatal. It saved my life, and I’d urge every motorcyclist to wear the proper gear”.

Yorkshire Air 999 continues to offer a unique insight into the vital work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, highlighting the critical role the service plays in saving lives across the region. The episode also follows the YAA team as they respond to other emergencies, including a schoolboy who suffers a dislocated knee during a cricket match, an elderly diabetic gentleman who is lost while walking along Yorkshires coast, prompting a major rescue mission and a 2-year-old baby that had fallen 12 feet from a window.