Location: Old Paignton Cemetery
Response: by air, supported by land ambulance
Recovery: Derriford Major Trauma Centre, Plymouth Torbay Hospital
Mina suffered a serious open fracture when she suddenly fell into a concealed grave. Thankfully, our crew reached and treated Mina at the scene before airlifting her to hospital.
Response
Relief and reassurance
Mina, Brian and their neighbour waved out as our air ambulance circled to find them. The land ambulance located them just before Dr. Tim and John, a Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care (SPCC), arrived at the scene.
There was no panic; I felt calm with the crew around. They were so friendly and lighthearted— even making jokes with us.
Our crew provided crucial, time-critical care there and then. They then prepped Mina for her onward journey to Derriford Major Trauma Centre: firstly, by land ambulance, and secondly by helicopter. Mina recalled Dr. Tim reassuringly holding her hand the entire flight, and SPCC John joking around to make her feel at ease.
Recovery
Positive progress
2 operations and 12 nights later, Mina returned home. Her care was then transferred from Derriford Major Trauma Centre to the outpatient clinic at Torbay Hospital.
Mina set herself weekly goals, and maintained a positive attitude throughout her recovery. As part of our ongoing support for patients and their families, Mina and Brian visited our Eaglescott Airbase to meet some of our crew, ask questions, and to find out more about what happened that day.
Thank you to Mina for sharing her story.
And, thank you — your continued support helped save Mina. Together, we are Devon Air Ambulance.
Do you have a story you would like to share? We would love to hear from you.
