Tractor smash survivor: "It has taught me to live in the moment more"

“It is believed I turned a corner and had a head-on collision with a tractor.”

A man from Scotland has said that the crash which left him with life-changing injuries has taught him to live in the moment more.

Michael Grant Dempster from Dumfries and Galloway was fitting cabinets in his garage back in March 2021 when the accident happened.

Michael said: “I have no memory of the day or the accident. I was doing work in the house in my garage.

“I needed some parts, so I jumped into the car to head to the shops. It is believed I turned a corner and had a head-on collision with a tractor.”

The 55-year-old’s wife, Susan, was at work but has since opened up about what she has been told happened that day.

Michael said: “We’ve been told it was the farmer who called the emergency services.

“Michael was a mess but luckily an off-duty nurse was there who got into the car with him and held his hand to keep him conscious.

“She said she ‘talked his ear off’ until he was able to be cut out of the vehicle by the fire service.”

It was found that Michael had multiple fractures and was in a critical condition, so the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) was called to assist.

The critical care team on duty that day on GNAAS’ Guardian of the North II helicopter flying from its base in Eaglescliffe, Teesside, was pilot Nigel Lynch, paramedic Gordon Ingram, and Doctor Dion Arbid.

Michael was given an emergency pre-hospital anaesthetic and put in an induced coma on scene to protect his brain from further injury.

56-year-old Sue said: “He was flown to hospital in Glasgow before being transferred to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.

“He suffered a head injury, fractured shoulder, fractured radius, and ulna, two bleeds on brain and elbow shattered and was hospital for three months.”

The project manager has since recovered well at home but contracted MRSA due to his arm injury which has resulted in various operations and hospital appointments.

Michael said: “We’d heard of GNAAS’ services and we’re both ex-forces, so we know the importance of what they do and how amazing they are.

“Michael has always had a positive outlook and although he has had his moments as you would expect, he has been very strong and determined and took all in stride.”