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Helen slipped while walking in the Peak District and fractured her ankle. Her remote location meant that a land ambulance couldn’t reach Helen, and we were called to treat her and deliver her to hospital.
Your donations help us to be there quickly, in need of urgent medical care. We receive no government funding and rely on your donations to help us save more lives together.
Helen’s Story
Experienced walker Helen Keats was enjoying a family walk at the top of Mam Tor hill in the Peak District when she slipped on muddy ground. “I heard something snap and when I looked down my right foot was sticking out at an odd angle.” she recalls. Her daughter Amber called 999 and used what3words to share their position.
Due to their remote location, Edale Mountain Rescue Team and your local Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) were both called to attend the incident. When the critical care crew arrived, they discovered Helen had a fracture to her ankle. Strong pain relief was administered, and a vacuum splint applied. Mountain Rescue Team members helped stretcher Helen to our helicopter where we flew her to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital.
“When I saw the helicopter in the sky, I got emotional. It must have been sheer relief.” says Helen.
In just 7 minutes Helen landed on the hospital’s helipad. Without air ambulance intervention, Helen would’ve been carried down the hill by mountain rescue and driven by land ambulance along rural roads to Sheffield. A much longer alternative journey which took Amber and Helen’s husband, Robin, over 90 minutes.
Helen underwent an operation to repair the damage to her foot and ankle. Four days later she was discharged and driven back to her home in Plymouth, sitting in a wheelchair in a specially adapted vehicle.
“We think that the air ambulance is truly a lifesaver and deserves to get all the money it needs, even in the current crisis. It’s an absolute necessity.” shared Helen’s family.
Helen’s story had a positive outcome because of our amazing supporters. Your kind donations made her rescue possible. Thank you for your support. We simply couldn’t do this without you.
Will you help us save more lives?
The crew were so efficient and very professional. They couldn’t have done anything better. We would like to thank the air ambulance crew, mountain rescue team and all the kind people who asked if we needed help when we were waiting for the emergency services to arrive.
When every second counts, we’re there.
Your donations helped us reach over 3,500 people who needed our help in 2023. Each rescue mission costs over £2,300, but your donation today, whatever the amount, will ensure we help more people in their time of need like Helen.
Together, we save more lives.
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