Crash victim thanks air ambulance

The new air ambulance began operating last Tuesday

One of the first patients of the new Bristol-based air ambulance has praised the paramedic crew who treated him after a crash.

The Great Western air ambulance arrived at the scene moments after Stuart Southcott, 18, was involved in an accident on his motorbike on the A38.

Paramedics sedated him to ease the pain in his leg before transferring him to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.

The air ambulance began operating last Tuesday and has attended 15 incidents.

Lucky to be alive

Stuart Southcott is going to Great Western air ambulance's base at Filton Airport in Bristol to thank the crew who will then show him round the helicopter.

He said: "The air ambulance was on the scene very quickly after my accident and the crew were very reassuring. I flew across the road after the impact and am lucky to be alive.

"The air ambulance will help save lives and give others like myself the best possible chance of making a recovery. If it hadn't come, I don't know what would have happened."

The helicopter is operated in partnership between Great Western Ambulance Service, the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and the Melvyn's Trust.

Paul Weir, chief executive of Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, said: "Stuart's accident highlights the importance of the new air ambulance, enabling a skilled team of doctors and paramedics to get directly to the incident without delay.

"It also emphasises why this service is needed and the vital need for support from the public for the funding so necessary to keep the aircraft flying."

Stuart Southcott is now back at home after three days in hospital, but faces a fight to walk again and will be wheelchair-bound for at least four months.