On 30th January 2020, Loraine Greenwood from Halifax was collecting items for a church coffee morning when she was hit by a bus.
“I don’t remember the collision, I just remember seeing the bus wheels on top of me”, said Loraine.
Passers-by gathered to try help Loraine as they heard her screaming in pain and the driver manoeuvred the bus to free her legs from its wheels.
Due to the severity of the injury, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance was dispatched. As the aircraft requires a large landing space, the only place suitable in the town centre was the courtyard of Grade I listed 18th-century building, the Piece Hall.
The YAA Critical Care Team administered ketamine to help with Loraine’s pain and after assessing her injuries, a decision was made to fly her to Leeds General Infirmary, where orthopaedic surgeons would be waiting.
Loraine spent 10 hours in the operating theatre undergoing reconstructive surgery on her legs which were degloved and fractured. But thankfully, after skin grafts and implants, doctors were able to save Loraine’s leg and after spending six weeks in hospital and being under the care of district nurses, she is able to walk again.
Speaking of the incident, Loraine said: “I could have lost my leg or my life. I cannot thank the emergency services, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the doctors and nurses at the hospital enough for everything they have done for me. I’m so grateful that I have a life and I’ll do the best I can with it.”
