A MAN whose leg was crushed in a farm accident near Rothbury has thanked the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) who came to his rescue.
David Taylor, 35, from Rothbury, was constructing cattle troughs when a 1,200 kilo panel fell from a JCB and landed on his leg, pinning him to the ground, on August 4.
A local rapid response paramedic was first on scene, before GNAAS were alerted and scrambled their aircraft from the Langwathby base. When they arrived, the trauma team administered pain relieving drugs and airlifted him to Newcastle’s RVI for further treatment.
The farm worker had sustained a broken tibia as well as multiple fractures to his leg, ankle and foot. He underwent an operation and remained in hospital for 11 days but is now recovering at home on crutches.
Mr Taylor, a father-of-one, said: “Without the speedy service and dedicated team who knows what the outcome could have been. My foot had lost its pulse and I needed help quickly. I still have a long way to go but I’m just so glad things weren’t far worse.
“An ambulance can take a long time to get to rural areas and this is why the air ambulance is so crucial. I would encourage everyone to support it. I hope they continue to serve the people of Northumberland for many years to come.”
Paramedic, Andy Mawson, said: “In situations like this, our priority is pain relief and then to realign the leg. We are so pleased David is making a good recovery. One of the most satisfying parts of my job as a paramedic is former patients getting in touch to express their sincere thanks.”
GNAAS operate three aircraft across the North East, North Yorkshire and Cumbria and receive no government or lottery funding. To help the charity, visit www.gnaas.com
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