Early on in the story of DAA, a ride on Woodbury Common resulted in an airlift for Jeanette.
Jeanette was on a horse ride with friends on Woodbury Common when she was knocked unconscious, suffering serious head and spinal injuries. Our crew airlifted her to hospital. Now, almost three decades later, she shares her story with the hope of inspiring others to support Devon Air Ambulance.
A spooked horse
It was 2024 when Jeanette met a member of the Devon Air Ambulance team during a volunteer fair at Exeter Cathedral where she was representing Brain Tumour Support. Our service was only four years old when Jeanette had her first-hand encounter with DAA.
I was out riding in a hack with friends, and I remember saying that I hope I didn’t get the horse that always wants to stop and eat… of course, I did!
The last memory Jeanette had before her incident was being at the back of the group when her horse steered towards a large puddle of water. Somehow, the horse threw Jeanette and galloped past the hack, alerting her friends. Jeanette was unconscious and had sustained substantial head and spinal injuries.
Out in the sticks
It was 1996, so mobile phones weren’t that common yet, but thankfully a passerby had one and phoned 999. Due to Jeanette’s suspected injuries, and her location, the Devon Air Ambulance crew were dispatched. Jeanette was treated on the scene by our critical care paramedics who delivered specialist care before preparing her for a flight to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
Jeanette was taken for an MRI scan. She had suffered a cerebral bleed – a bleed between the brain and the skull. She had double vision in one eye that sustained for several years, requiring several subsequent operations.
The road to recovery
Jeanette spent three weeks in hospital before she was ready to return home to begin her recovery.
The first memory I had is coming round in hospital, waking up and it was around eight hours later! As I came around, I felt my friends tears on my hand.
For several years Jeanette’s spinal injuries meant that she was unable to fully walk or talk.It was around four years before she regained fuller control over her speech and mobility:
‘My general life actions, day-to-day tasks that we take for granted, were lost. Gradually, life came back to me. But sadly, I now also have a brain tumour. I won’t ever know if it’s in any way related to my injuries from this incident, but it’s another battle I must fight.’
During her years of recovery, Jeanette wanted to give back to DAA through fundraising, supporting us with corporate fundraising and attending many events. Jeanette used her wit and charm to give after-dinner speeches, raising awareness and vital funds. Jeanette now volunteers for the Brain Tumour Support charity and we wish her all the very best in the future.
Thank you to Jeanette for sharing her story.
And thank you: your continued support has enabled us to respond to patients like Jeanette for more than 30 years so far. Together, we are Devon Air Ambulance.
