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0:00:21 > 0:00:23- With the majority - of the Welsh landscape rural...
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- ..it's not easy for the emergency - services to reach everywhere.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33- In these areas, Wales Air Ambulance - helicopters make a difference.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- For the past three months, our - cameras have followed the crews...
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- ..as they fly across Wales - rescuing lives.
0:00:42 > 0:00:47- On tonight's programme, a football - match ends early for one player.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- It sounded serious. I hope he's OK.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- A family tragedy transforms - the life of a Swansea Valley girl.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- I'm proud to be part - of a large team in Wales...
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- ..which raises money - to help save lives.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- A couple's first date becomes - a nightmare on Porthcawl beach.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- I was at the bottom looking up.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- All of a sudden, - I could see him falling.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27- In Wales, almost 250,000 people - have heart disease.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- When someone has a heart attack...
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- ..it's crucial for them - to reach hospital within the hour...
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- ..for the best chance of recovery.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- This is known as the golden hour.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- A man's life hangs in the balance - in Llan Ffestiniog.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53- His heart has stopped beating. - The air ambulance is dispatched.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- A 67-year-old man - has had a cardiac arrest.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- He's collapsed but two crews - have managed to revive him.
0:02:03 > 0:02:09- He has a good output so we're - on our way to get him to hospital.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- Paul Ramsden, Sam Williams - and Carl Hudson are on duty.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- Often, the crew is called - to assist an ambulance crew.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- Today, the patient needs - to be taken to hospital urgently.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- More often than not, - we assist ambulance crews.
0:02:29 > 0:02:35- They require our assistance - to transfer patients to hospital.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- We're one service - - we work as one team.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- Helimed 61, we're just - coming up to the scene now.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- Are you any closer? - Have you got a running time?
0:02:52 > 0:02:57- The helicopter reaches - Llan Ffestiniog within 15 minutes.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01- The ambulance crew brings - the patient to meet the helicopter.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- Helimed 61 lands...
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- ..but the patient's heart is having - trouble beating unassisted.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12- He's got output now.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- Any respiratory effort?
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- He's got no respiratory effort.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- To get the heart beating properly...
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- ..the ambulance crew have given - the patient an electric shock.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- They've done so 14 times already.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- Suddenly, they have - to administer another one.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- All clear.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38- Clear?
0:03:38 > 0:03:39- Clear?- - Clear.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44- He is seriously ill.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49- Both paramedics monitor him closely - on the way to Ysbyty Gwynedd.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- He'd already been given 15 shocks. - He might've needed more on the way.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- You're constantly watching - the ECG monitor for any changes...
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- ..if his rhythm goes into another - VF, a ventricular fibrillation.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- Carl uses the breathing mask - to help the man breathe.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- This patient may need another shock - before the helicopter lands.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- It's a very good system.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- If there's a chance - to revive a patient...
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- ..we use the shock - and administer medication.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- The patient is in a stable condition - and the situation is more hopeful.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- At the moment, he's breathing - and his heart is beating.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- It's not quite - to the required rate...
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- ..but he's hanging on in there - and it's good news.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- An ordinary ambulance wouldn't - even be halfway to Bangor by now.
0:04:54 > 0:04:55- In a helicopter...
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- ..the patient receives - specialist treatment within an hour.
0:05:00 > 0:05:06- Administering the best treatment - is crucial within the first hour...
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- ..especially for patients who have - had a cardiac arrest or a stroke.
0:05:11 > 0:05:12- The first hour is crucial.
0:05:13 > 0:05:14- From Blaenau Ffestiniog?
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- From Blaenau Ffestiniog?- - Llan Ffestiniog, yeah.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23- The patient is transferred to - the hospital's emergency department.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- The trauma team is standing by.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- Split it if you want, yeah?
0:05:29 > 0:05:31- Ready to move when you are.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- On three - two, three.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- The doctors need a complete - breakdown from the crew...
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- ..to decide - the best course of action.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- The last shot was just before - we left, about 25 minutes ago.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- The last adrenalin you gave?
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- They gave it, - and he said about half-nine.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- Carl and Sam have done everything - they can for the patient.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- His care is now transferred - to the hospital.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- It's hard to know - what the end result will be.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08- Since we were able to transport - the patient so quickly...
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- ..I hope the conclusion - is favourable.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- Here, at the back of the helicopter, - the specialist medical equipment...
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- ..is crucial for saving lives.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- The challenge - for the paramedics and the pilot...
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- ..is to reach the location - as quickly as possible...
0:06:28 > 0:06:29- ..to treat the patient.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39- To maintain the service, - the charity must raise 5m a year.
0:06:39 > 0:06:44- The charity's shops are - an important part of the campaign.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- Shops workers appreciate - the work of the red helicopters.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- Each staff member - has a story to share.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56- Did Santa Claus come and bring - you toys? What did he bring you?
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- Rhian Lewis has been running - the Swansea shop for the past year.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- People visit the shops - to thank the crews for their work.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- I enjoy seeing people - calling in to ask questions.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- I hear many stories.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- Some are happy stories, - some are sad.
0:07:12 > 0:07:18- They visit the shop - to express their feelings.
0:07:18 > 0:07:24- They talk to us and tell us how - grateful they are to the charity.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- Rhian has her own story to share.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- Rhian comes from Ystalyfera - in the Swansea Valley.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- She lives near her sister, Samantha.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43- Two years ago, Samantha gave birth - to her second child, Mason.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51- One morning, Mason wasn't breathing.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- My sister rang 999.
0:07:53 > 0:07:59- The air ambulance came out - and landed on the street...
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- ..to allow the paramedics - to run up to the house.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08- They picked the baby up - and flew him to Morriston Hospital.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- That morning, Rhian was at work.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20- She rushed home when she heard - that Mason wasn't breathing.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- I remember everyone in a panic.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31- Everyone in the family - rushed down to the hospital.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- By the time they reached - Morriston Hospital...
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- ..the news wasn't good.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- At eight weeks old, Mason had died.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- It was a tragic day - but we were all so grateful...
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- ..to the air ambulance crew - for trying to save Mason's life.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- Over the following months...
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- ..the two sisters raised money - for Wales Air Ambulance.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- Rhian organized a talent show - in Ystalyfera.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- To say thank you, - we wanted to raise money...
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- ..and help in any way we could.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- We wanted to let everyone know - what air ambulance crews do.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21- Rhian carried out voluntary work - in the charity shops' warehouse.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- In April 2011, she became manager - of the shop in Swansea.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31- I love working in the shop. - The customers are amazing.
0:09:31 > 0:09:38- The women who work there give up - their time to help us raise money.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- Everyone is so generous.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- Rhian was a cleaner - before her nephew died suddenly.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- The tragedy has transformed - her life.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- I'm proud to be part - of a huge team in Wales.
0:09:54 > 0:10:00- We raise money to help the crews do - an important job which saves lives.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- In the second half, we'll be - on board the Swansea helicopter...
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- ..as they airlift a footballer - who's broken his leg.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19- In Porthcawl, a race against - the tide to rescue a fallen climber.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- They said it was the highest tide - of the year. We had 15 minutes.
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0:10:29 > 0:10:29- Subtitles
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0:10:40 > 0:10:42- This helicopter in Swansea...
0:10:42 > 0:10:47- ..is launched within three minutes - of an emergency call.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- It can reach anywhere in South Wales - within 20 minutes.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- The crew are heading - to a football pitch in Llanelli.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- One of the players - has a serious leg injury.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- It's January.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- The patient has been lying - on the pitch for 45 minutes.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- Paramedics Jason and Chris are aware - of the dangers of hypothermia.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- 57, we're about a minute away - from the location, over.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- Have made the people on the ground - aware that you're en route.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- The vehicle's about 20 minutes away, - over.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- Pilot Tom Marcus - lands on the centre circle.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- The patient is in pain.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- He may well have broken his leg - in two places.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- ..swelling on this side - of your leg...
0:11:45 > 0:11:50- The paramedics give the footballer - gas and air to help ease the pain.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- Give you some gas and air firstly. - Just a simple dash which you inhale.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- Makes you feel - a little light-headed and funny.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- Max was playing as a striker for - Pwll in the Carmarthenshire league.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- He was through on goal - and the goalie came out.
0:12:09 > 0:12:10- It was a 50/50 ball.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- It was a fair challenge, - but the striker came off the worst.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- Max needs some specialist treatment - before being moved.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- The referee has called the match off - after 67 minutes.
0:12:23 > 0:12:24- How old are you, mate?
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- How old are you, mate?- - 24.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- I was on the touchline - and it sounded quite nasty.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- I hope he'll be OK.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- Max will need an X-ray - and possible surgery.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- The crew prepare him - for his journey to hospital.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- It's an obvious fracture - to his lower leg.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- We've put a needle in his hand - - a cannula.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- We'll give him some IV analgesia, - some morphine...
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- ..and anti-sickness for the flight.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- As night draws in, - pilot Tom is rather concerned.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- The air ambulance can only land - on a lit helipad at night.
0:13:06 > 0:13:12- The air ambulance must leave - in daylight or stay here overnight.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- With the sun about to set, - they take off.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- Alright, Max. - Have a look out the window, Max.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- Have a look out the window.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- It's a short journey to Morriston.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- Soon, Swansea's lights come into - view as they approach the hospital.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- Do you feel OK with the morphine?
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- D'you feel alright, Max? Yeah? - How's your leg?
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- Uh... still hurts a bit.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- We've just landed at Morriston.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- It was a nice flight - for him as well.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- It made his day having a little - flight after breaking his leg.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- Max was in hospital for three days.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- He's now home in Mynydd-y-Garreg.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- He's broken the two largest bones - in his leg - the tibia and fibula.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- I was in so much pain.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- I was so glad to see - the helicopter landing.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- Max will be in plaster - for another month...
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- ..but he hopes to be back - on his feet by the end of April.
0:14:41 > 0:14:47- I hope to be back walking - in time for my sister's wedding...
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- ..in May this year.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- I'd like to thank the air ambulance - for their prompt response.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- Wales has some of the best locations - to enjoy outdoor activities...
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- ..but some of the sports - come with an element of risk.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- Steve Merry and Rebecca Jones....
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- ..know the rocks - of Porthcawl's Rest Bay very well.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- In November 2010, Rebecca and Steve - were here on their first date.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- It's a popular area for climbers.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- Steve is a climbing instructor - so Rebecca was in safe hands.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- We'd climbed six times that day.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37- The last climb was to be - the final climb of the day.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- The couple were climbing the largest - cliff of the day in Box Bay.
0:15:43 > 0:15:49- They only had time for one final - abseil before the tide came in.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- I abseiled down before him.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- Steve had secured three hooks - in the rock to hold the ropes.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- If one came loose, - another one would hold the ropes...
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- ..but something went wrong.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- I was at the bottom, looking up.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- All of a sudden, - I could see him falling.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- I heard this huge crack - when he hit the ground.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- Steve fell 20 feet - and landed on his back.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- He tried to get up. - I told him to wait.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- He needed emergency help.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- Without a phone, - Rebecca had to search for help.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- I was screaming for someone - to phone the ambulance.
0:16:30 > 0:16:35- Time was running out. - The tide was coming in.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- Luckily, the air ambulance - was close to Porthcawl.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- Paramedic Aneurin Heath - was on board.
0:16:44 > 0:16:50- We flew down along the beach - but we couldn't see anything.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- The pilot flew lower and lower.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58- I was sitting in the back - of the helicopter looking back.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- As we flew along the beach, - I spotted him.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- Steve needed medical assistance - but the tide was coming in.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- The crew knew they could be in - danger if they landed on the beach.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- Pilot Grant Elgar decided to land.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- We decided to put the aircraft on - the beach before the tide came in...
0:17:21 > 0:17:22- ..to keep the rotors running...
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- ..and for Aneurin to leave - the aircraft and attend the patient.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- I got out of the helicopter.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- The tide was coming in quickly.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- Grant had to take off - and land on the cliff top.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- Steve had some serious injuries.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- 80% of his bones were broken.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- He'd broken his pelvis, - both his legs...
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- ..and I knew he had a back injury.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- Pilot Grant Elgar and paramedic - Phil Thomas were on the cliff top.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- They were liaising - with the coastguard.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- Time was fast running out.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- It was the highest tide of the year.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- We only had 15 minutes.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- Luckily, a helicopter - from the Chivenor RAF base...
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- ..was training nearby.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19- Within minutes, Squadron 169 - were sending down their winch man...
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- ..to help Aneurin.
0:18:22 > 0:18:27- The dramatic events - were filmed on a mobile phone.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- Between the winch man and myself, - we lifted him out of the water...
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- ..and found a safer place - to rescue him from drowning.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45- Steve was placed on a hard board - before the Sea King returned.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- We were waiting - and waiting and waiting.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- The tide was coming further in.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- By the end, we were up - to our shoulders in water...
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- ..trying to hold Steve out of - the water and make sure he was OK.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- The Sea King lifts Steve - and the winch man to the cliff top.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- He's transferred immediately - to the air ambulance.
0:19:11 > 0:19:16- He was in a serious condition and - needed immediate medical attention.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- Steve was also suffering - from hypothermia.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28- Hypothermia can actually help - the body repair itself.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33- Steve needed medical attention - to stop any internal bleeding.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- He'd broken most of the bones - in his body, including his spine.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- He was in a coma for three weeks.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- Steve stayed in Morriston Hospital - for three months...
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- ..but he's now on the road - to recovery.
0:19:51 > 0:19:56- Fifteen months later, Rebecca - and Steve are back in Rest Bay.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- Steve suffers daily pain...
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- ..but he's determined to recover.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- The doctors say - he's moved on quickly.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- For him, - he's not recovering quickly enough.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- Steve will need many more - operations, but this couple know...
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- ..that the heroic effort of - the crews that day saved his life.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26- I think he'll be fine, eventually. - It's just going to take some time.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- In November, the Helimed 57 team - visited the House of Lords...
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- ..for the Ambulance Service - awards ceremony.
0:20:42 > 0:20:48- I'd like to welcome you to this, - our awards ceremony.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- Along with the Sea King, Helimed 57 - won the Team of the Year award...
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- ..for rescuing Steve Merry - from the sea.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- The first team - is the Welsh Air Ambulance...
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- ..consisting - of Captain Grant Elgar...
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- ..Paramedic Phil Thomas - and Paramedic Aneurin Heath.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- It's nice to receive - some recognition.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- The three of us - and the boys from the RAF.
0:21:21 > 0:21:27- Gaining this recognition is - important for Wales Air Ambulance.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32- It lets people know that - their money is being spent wisely.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- We need to shock again.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- All clear.
0:21:43 > 0:21:44- Clear.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- David Levers's heart - stopped working in January.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- The ambulance crews - gave him 15 shocks.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56- We filmed the events as the - helicopter flew to Ysbyty Gwynedd.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- Today, David Levers - is home in Llan Ffestiniog.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- He stayed in the intensive care unit - for almost two months.
0:22:07 > 0:22:13- I'm recovering - but I'm not back to where I was...
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- ..before the recent heart attacks.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- That will take months - and months and months.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- He'd had a heart attack before.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- When his heart stopped working - this time...
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- ..the family feared the worst.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- When our son arrived, - the ambulance was outside.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- It broke his heart. - We weren't holding out much hope.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- It's a 75-minute road journey - from Llan Ffestiniog to Bangor.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52- David knows how crucial the air - ambulance involvement was that day.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- You have 60 minutes - - the golden hour.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01- After that, whatever damage the - heart attack has done, that's it.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07- If the air ambulance - hadn't been here on the third...
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- ..I wouldn't be here now.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- On next week's programme...
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- ..the man who lost his leg - when a gas canister exploded.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- Concerns for the builder - who fell from scaffolding.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26- When you fall from a height...
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- ..the worst injury is - breaking your back or brain damage.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:49 > 0:23:50- .