0:00:03 > 0:00:07If you're critically ill or injured in a place like this,
0:00:07 > 0:00:12there's only one thing that can save you, and that's speed.
0:00:12 > 0:00:17Wherever you are, this helicopter with a team of pilots and paramedics
0:00:17 > 0:00:22will fly to your rescue at two and a half miles a minute.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26These are Yorkshire's helicopter heroes.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50'When the people of Britain's biggest county dial 999,
0:00:50 > 0:00:53'there's a good chance help will come from the skies.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58'The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is ready to scramble 365 days a year
0:00:58 > 0:01:02'and each one brings a new life-or-death emergency.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07'On Helicopter Heroes, a child's knocked down in an army town.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10'Helimed 99 swoops to the rescue.'
0:01:10 > 0:01:12You must not go any further left.
0:01:12 > 0:01:19'A 120-mile mercy mission is a dying transplant patient's only hope of survival.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27'The team are called to a Scout camp after an accident on a rope swing.
0:01:28 > 0:01:33'And an off-duty paramedic becomes the hero of a nasty bike accident.'
0:01:33 > 0:01:36I just stopped to see what was going on.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46This is Catterick, the biggest garrison town in the British army.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50When I was a soldier I used to live here.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55It's used to getting bad news, often from Iraq or Afghanistan.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58But one day, a terrible accident here
0:01:58 > 0:02:00shocked the whole town.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07'Most of the 10,000 soldiers based here have combat medical skills,
0:02:07 > 0:02:09'to save lives on the battlefield.
0:02:09 > 0:02:14'But this afternoon, that knowledge is used on a ten-year-old boy
0:02:14 > 0:02:17'knocked down on his way home from school.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21'Two off-duty soldiers are working on Nial Ryan. He's badly hurt.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26'Now, Helimed 99 is on the case.'
0:02:26 > 0:02:30We're going to divert and go up to Catterick,
0:02:30 > 0:02:34see if we can get him on board and get him up to James Cook.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38We'll be about... Ten minutes, we'll be there.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43'The crew's updated by the ambulance control room. The news isn't good.
0:02:43 > 0:02:49'Nial has a broken leg, but that could be the most obvious injury.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52'Head injuries, internal bleeding and spinal damage
0:02:52 > 0:02:58'are all possibilities that the paramedics need to think about.'
0:02:58 > 0:03:02With open fractures, they're prone to infection.
0:03:02 > 0:03:08The last thing that you want is any infections getting into that area,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11where the bone is coming through.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13All of us in the ambulance service
0:03:13 > 0:03:18find it difficult dealing with children and trauma.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20We've got kids of our own.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23You only have to see the distressed family.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Down and left, at the crossroads.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Can you see the roadblock?
0:03:29 > 0:03:35You've got a school. That's looking to be adjacent.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40'With the barracks 500 feet below, the team spot a big problem.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45'Nial's in the main road through the town. There's nowhere to land.'
0:03:45 > 0:03:50Can you not drop me in this army compound directly...?
0:03:50 > 0:03:52But there's a big fence up.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57But there's a guard room where them yellow bollards are.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59They'll just let me through.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04'Security is tight at one of Europe's largest army bases.
0:04:04 > 0:04:10'Every landing site seems to be surrounded by barbed wire and locked gates.'
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Not happy about landing in MoD property.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Well, if you don't, mate. Don't.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- What about...? - I'm committed now, mate.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Still clear right.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26'Pilot Steve Cobb has no choice but to land in the compound
0:04:26 > 0:04:31'used to store vehicles for Catterick's three military brigades.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36'As feared, the compound is protected by a ten-foot high fence.
0:04:36 > 0:04:41'Although a few squaddies have come to help, no-one's got a key.'
0:04:41 > 0:04:46- I don't think I'd have looked too gracious!- No.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50'Having a head for heights comes with the job for Lee.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54'But he's rarely had to overcome an obstacle this high.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57'Lee won't thank me for saying this, but he's a granddad.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02'This is no easy climb, but with no other suitable landing site,
0:05:02 > 0:05:07'he has no choice but to scale the fence.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11'Paramedics and an off-duty doctor have been treating Nial.
0:05:11 > 0:05:17'They're so concerned about him, they've prepared him for a flight in Helimed 99.'
0:05:17 > 0:05:22The doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance is here on scene.
0:05:22 > 0:05:28They're packaging him now and we're going to fly him to James Cook.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33'But with the helicopter still stuck behind the locked fence,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36'the team won't be able to help their young patient
0:05:36 > 0:05:41'unless Lee can find somewhere for Helimed 99 to land.'
0:05:48 > 0:05:52'Coming up, Steve must get as close to Nial as possible,
0:05:52 > 0:05:57'but that means touching down in the centre of town.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02'Camp's over for a Scout who fell off a rope swing.
0:06:03 > 0:06:09'And the off-duty paramedic who found himself a patient, thanks to the wildlife.'
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Possibly a deer!
0:06:16 > 0:06:18The Helimed team fight the clock.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Saving time helps them save lives,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24but there's one race they can't win.
0:06:24 > 0:06:31This helicopter is not equipped to fly in the dark. When the sun sets, it must be on the ground.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35Your sunset time is one minute to seven...
0:06:35 > 0:06:37'At Helimed HQ,
0:06:37 > 0:06:44'the crew are coordinating an emergency operation that none of them have dealt with before.'
0:06:44 > 0:06:47A transfer from Sheffield to Newcastle.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50We're doing the calculations -
0:06:50 > 0:06:54the flying times, re-fuel times, the loading of the patient.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58We'll run out of daylight to get back on the ground.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03'In South Yorkshire, a woman is in desperate need of a lung transplant.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06'Only Helimed 98 can save her life,
0:07:06 > 0:07:08'but time isn't on her side.'
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Hello, it's Dave on the air desk...
0:07:11 > 0:07:15'The problem is the donor lung is in Newcastle.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19'The patient is 120 miles away in South Yorkshire.'
0:07:19 > 0:07:24Because of sunset times, we haven't got enough time to get to Newcastle.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28Potentially leaving Sheffield airport 6 o'clock.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30You've an hour and a half.
0:07:30 > 0:07:37Where can we get in 45 minutes from Sheffield airport?
0:07:37 > 0:07:40'The patient's on her way to the airport,
0:07:40 > 0:07:45'where Helimed 98 will begin a relay race north.
0:07:45 > 0:07:50'The flying paramedics are used to doing things in a hurry.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55'Today, they've got to get to their patient as fast as they can.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59'In fading light, the first leg is Leeds to Sheffield.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03'That's 12 minutes in Helimed 98.'
0:08:03 > 0:08:06We're trying to cut corners off
0:08:06 > 0:08:09so we can get the patient up to hospital.
0:08:09 > 0:08:14'Even at 1,000 feet up and 150 miles an hour,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17'the planning process doesn't stop.'
0:08:17 > 0:08:21So where can we be in 40 minutes?
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- Ripon.- Yeah. - Yeah, it's going to be Ripon.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29'It's not just the setting sun that's forcing the pace.'
0:08:29 > 0:08:34The organ will be taken out of the deceased.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39You've got limited time when you can put the organ into the recipient.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44'Lung transplants were first carried out over 20 years ago.
0:08:44 > 0:08:50'Today, more patients survive for longer after receiving new lungs.'
0:08:50 > 0:08:52Stretcher!
0:08:52 > 0:08:54'Their patient is Diane Wakefield.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58'She's been waiting for 18 months for this day.'
0:08:58 > 0:09:00We're going to get you comfortable.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04As soon as they finish refuelling we can be off.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09She thought it wasn't long before she couldn't have the transplant
0:09:09 > 0:09:12and she might not have long to live.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15'Diane's had nine false alarms,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18'where the donor organ has not been compatible.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23'Finally, doctors at the Freeman Hospital 70 miles away in Newcastle,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26'think they've found her some new lungs.'
0:09:26 > 0:09:28Just lay your head back.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32'As Diane's lungs are not working properly,
0:09:32 > 0:09:36'she needs a constant supply of oxygen to help her breathe.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40'As paramedics Paul and Pete load her in Helimed 98,
0:09:40 > 0:09:42'her oxygen supply stops working.'
0:09:42 > 0:09:44For some reason...
0:09:44 > 0:09:48'Helimed 98 has its own built-in supply of oxygen.'
0:09:48 > 0:09:50I'm panicking.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55'If they don't reattach it soon, Diane will stop breathing.'
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- RUSH OF AIR - There we go.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02'They've done it. Diane is ready for take-off.'
0:10:02 > 0:10:06The emotions are strange, thinking she's going to have a transplant.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09'"Am I going to be here tomorrow?"'
0:10:09 > 0:10:16'Any transplant operation carries huge risks and there's no guarantee surgery will work.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18'With darkness descending,
0:10:18 > 0:10:21'all the team can do is give the doctors the best chance
0:10:21 > 0:10:24'of giving Diane a quality of life
0:10:24 > 0:10:28'that she's only been able to dream about.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36'Coming up, Diane's airborne,
0:10:36 > 0:10:40'but will Helimed 98 win its relay race with the setting sun?
0:10:41 > 0:10:45'Paramedic Lee marshals Steve into a town-centre touchdown.'
0:10:45 > 0:10:47You must not go further left.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52'And passers-by make sure a crash that injured a motorist
0:10:52 > 0:10:54'doesn't also hurt his wallet.'
0:10:54 > 0:10:56There's cash everywhere!
0:11:00 > 0:11:04For many teenagers, Scout camp is the highlight of summer,
0:11:04 > 0:11:09but getting some fresh air and adventure can also be risky
0:11:09 > 0:11:11when there's a rope swing around.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16'Helimed 99 has been scrambled to Scammonden reservoir,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19'a manmade lake in the Pennines.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21'Thanks to the speed of the M62,
0:11:21 > 0:11:24'this is a popular area for adventure courses.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28'A Scout on camp has fallen from a rope swing.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31'He could have serious injuries.'
0:11:31 > 0:11:37A ten-year-old boy has fallen off a swing.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40A queried fractured arm and a leg injury.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45'It may be next to the M62, but no land ambulance could make it here.'
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- We've got some people down here. - Could be them.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Looks like there's somebody lying down.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57'Pilot Steve is forced to land with a steep slope on one side.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- 'There's no room for error.' - You're quite close.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06'They're feet from the water's edge but they make it down safely.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09'What started as a bit of fun,
0:12:09 > 0:12:12'has ended in agony for ten-year-old James.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17'He's been lying on the floor for an hour. Everyone's worried.'
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- Does that hurt there? Down here?- No.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23'We're a Cub Scout group.'
0:12:23 > 0:12:27We've come up for an adventures week. Came across the rope swing.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31Unfortunately, James let go while he was swinging.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34'There's no time to waste.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38'Paramedics decide to get James to hospital as soon as they can.'
0:12:38 > 0:12:44'The main problems are logistical. We're down at the bottom there.'
0:12:44 > 0:12:50Difficult access for the land crew. So we just package him best we can.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55He's doing quite well. He's in a bit of discomfort but not too bad.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59We want to get him off the hillside, somewhere warm.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01'James's mum has arrived.
0:13:01 > 0:13:07'She's well aware of what an awkward place this is - especially with the wrong footwear.'
0:13:07 > 0:13:10I drove with an orienteering map.
0:13:10 > 0:13:16I thought I was going to end up in Rochdale but I saw Church Lane.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20I thought, "I'm here!" But had to run down here in my high heels!
0:13:20 > 0:13:27'The paramedics know that children aren't as good as adults detailing their symptoms.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31'Until he's been to hospital, James has to wear a rigid collar.
0:13:31 > 0:13:37'But another item of the team's kit will make him more comfortable.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40'He's been lying in the cold.
0:13:40 > 0:13:46'Thanks to a thermal cocoon they call the pizza bag, he's beginning to warm up.'
0:13:48 > 0:13:50FEMALE: You're doing well, James.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54'It's the second time James has been airborne today.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58'This flight will last longer, but not much.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02'In three minutes, he's on his way to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary,
0:14:02 > 0:14:09'where he was found to have no major injuries and was back at Scout camp the following day.
0:14:16 > 0:14:21'Coming up, surgeons race to get organs to the operating theatre.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24'Will their patient make it?'
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Fingers crossed, Diane.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29'The couple on a break from the fire brigade
0:14:29 > 0:14:32'went to work on their camping holiday.'
0:14:32 > 0:14:35We're used to dealing with emergency services.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44When a ten-year-old was knocked down in this street,
0:14:44 > 0:14:48some off-duty soldiers used combat medical skills to save his life.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52Until their patient's in surgery, he's not out of danger.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57'In one of Europe's largest army barracks at Catterick Garrison,
0:14:57 > 0:15:02'ten-year-old Nial was hit by a car and sustained serious injuries.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06'The accident happened right in the centre of town.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10'With nowhere to land, Helimed 99 is behind a locked gate,
0:15:10 > 0:15:14'in a secure army compound.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18'Nial needs to be in hospital but his flight won't happen
0:15:18 > 0:15:25'unless paramedic Lee can find somewhere for pilot Steve to land near the scene.'
0:15:25 > 0:15:30Ten-year-old male with an open fractured right tib and fib.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34He's also got a fractured dislocated right shoulder.
0:15:34 > 0:15:40'As well as being a paramedic, Lee is a trained helicopter pilot.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44'He knows exactly what size site is safe for Steve to land on.'
0:15:44 > 0:15:49You're clear to reposition the aircraft onto the crossroads.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52'Lee doesn't have much choice.
0:15:52 > 0:15:57'Town centres aren't designed for a three-ton helicopter.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01'Lee thinks a crossroads 100 yards from Nial is big enough.'
0:16:01 > 0:16:05Watch that traffic mate, there, will you for me?
0:16:08 > 0:16:10'The police have closed the road
0:16:10 > 0:16:16'but there are buildings, traffic lights and road signs yards from where Steve will try to land.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20'Dozens of schoolchildren have come out to watch the dramatic events.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24'Private pilots are not allowed to land here.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26'Few would want to. It's too dangerous.
0:16:26 > 0:16:33'But Steve has over 5,000 hours' flying time and is vastly experienced.'
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- Big lamppost here. - You've got that one on the left.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41The only visual I've got now is the left one.
0:16:41 > 0:16:47'With traffic lights and lampposts metres from rotorblades spinning 400 times a minute,
0:16:47 > 0:16:54'Steve must precisely manoeuvre the helicopter towards the crossroads, with help from Lee.'
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Traffic still holding.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01You look a little bit low to me but I can't confirm, Steve.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08I have no visual. You must not go any further left.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12You're clear of the lamppost, clear of the tree.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14'They've done it.'
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Brilliant, Steve. Super.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Well done, you.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21'Lee and fellow paramedic Lee Gray
0:17:21 > 0:17:26'must now change from aviators to medics,
0:17:26 > 0:17:30'and begin preparing Nial for his flight to hospital.'
0:17:30 > 0:17:34We're packaging him now and we'll fly him to James Cook.
0:17:34 > 0:17:40That's quite a tight landing - trees, lampposts, telegraph wires,
0:17:40 > 0:17:42traffic lights and children.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47Fortunately, the police secured the scene and Lee guided me in.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Couldn't have got much tighter.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Block that corner for me.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57'Nial has lived in Catterick Garrison all his life.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01'His dad is an ex-soldier and mum Fran an army nurse.'
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- Hi, Lee. - Feet first, guys, if you can.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09'Ground medics and an off-duty doctor have stabilised Nial.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12'He's definitely broken some bones
0:18:12 > 0:18:16'but the team's worried he might have suffered internal injuries.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21'Over 10,000 children are killed or injured on our roads every year.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26'Nial's mum has been campaigning for safety improvements to this road.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30'Just last week, another youngster was hit by a bus nearby.'
0:18:30 > 0:18:33GROANING Nial, I'm here!
0:18:33 > 0:18:37All right, Mum. Do you want to come up?
0:18:37 > 0:18:44'The Helimed team rarely let young patients fly on their own. Children need a parent's reassurance.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46'This flight won't faze mum Fran.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50'She's flown in helicopters in the past.'
0:18:50 > 0:18:56I know it's painful but we're going up in a second, off to the hospital.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59'Steve's done really well landing.'
0:18:59 > 0:19:04We want to get the child away as soon as we possibly can.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07It's got to be safe for Steve to take off.
0:19:07 > 0:19:14'Word has spread and there's a big crowd to watch Helimed 99 depart.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19'Taking off is the most dangerous part of any flight.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22'In a site littered with obstacles,
0:19:22 > 0:19:26'a mechanical fault at this stage could be disastrous.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37'Coming up, doctors operate, but can they save Nial's shattered leg?
0:19:39 > 0:19:44'And husband-and-wife bikers find themselves treated side-by-side.'
0:19:51 > 0:19:56Let's catch up on the race to save transplant patient Diane Wakefield
0:19:56 > 0:20:00on her tenth trip to hospital for new lungs.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06'The crew of Helimed 98 are in a race against failing daylight
0:20:06 > 0:20:11'to get a seriously ill patient to hospital to have a lung transplant.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16'Diane Wakefield has been waiting for this day for 18 months.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21'A donor organ has become available and it could be compatible.
0:20:21 > 0:20:28'The problem is, she's in Sheffield and all the surgeons are over 70 miles away in Newcastle.'
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Sheffield Airport, Helimed 98 departing to the north.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35'As the helicopter takes off,
0:20:35 > 0:20:41'the transplant team at the Freeman Hospital are starting to get ready for Diane.'
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- I've got a good feeling about this. - Fingers crossed, Diane.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50'As Helimed 98 races the setting sun,
0:20:50 > 0:20:54'another dash is under way 1,000 feet below.
0:20:54 > 0:21:00'A surgical team is also heading for Newcastle with the donor lungs Diane desperately needs.'
0:21:00 > 0:21:05- When were you last up here, Diane? - 10th June.- Were you not compatible?
0:21:24 > 0:21:26It's Dave on the air desk...
0:21:26 > 0:21:31'Despatcher Dave Gardner has been trying to organise a Newcastle helicopter
0:21:31 > 0:21:37'to pick Diane up and fly her the last leg of her relay to hospital.'
0:21:37 > 0:21:41Any luck with the support unit from Teesside?
0:21:41 > 0:21:46ON RADIO: 'Negative, he doesn't want to pull them out of area
0:21:46 > 0:21:50'unless there's a problem with the land transfer.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55'I think we've got a crew waiting at Ripon now. Over.'
0:21:57 > 0:22:01Diane, it'll be an ambulance ride from Ripon, I'm afraid.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03That's all right.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07You should be there for about half past seven.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12'The truth is, someone has already died to provide the donor organ.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14'The shortest possible delay
0:22:14 > 0:22:18'will give Diane the best chance of survival.'
0:22:18 > 0:22:24It's crucial that the timing is simultaneous in assessing the organ
0:22:24 > 0:22:29and getting the recipient, Diane, into our hospital for preparation.
0:22:29 > 0:22:37We need to minimise the period where the lung is explanted from the donor, has no blood supply
0:22:37 > 0:22:39and is stored in an ice box.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- Going into land now, Diane. - OK, my love.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51Best landing of the day! Managed to get it down without crashing!
0:22:51 > 0:22:55'They're trying to keep Diane smiling by teasing pilot Tim.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57'They know this is deadly serious.
0:22:57 > 0:23:04'If she doesn't get there on time, there isn't going to be another opportunity.'
0:23:04 > 0:23:09SURGEON: I'm sure she felt it within herself some extra sense
0:23:09 > 0:23:11that this was THE day.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Critically, the ambulance got her here in time
0:23:15 > 0:23:18for us to proceed with the transplant.
0:23:18 > 0:23:24'The operation went well and, despite some setbacks,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28'Diane was soon breathing her own air for the first time in years.'
0:23:28 > 0:23:32I was desperate for a new lung.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36You do think, "It's never going to happen.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38"I'm one of the unlucky ones
0:23:38 > 0:23:41"that dies while I'm waiting."
0:23:41 > 0:23:43But I was proved wrong!
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Much to our delight.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50Hopefully, this is a start of a whole new life.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54'She'll never forget those 18 months confined to her home.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58'Or the nine trips for a transplant that never happened
0:23:58 > 0:24:02'because the organs were unsuitable or given to someone else.'
0:24:02 > 0:24:05It's like you've been run over by a steamroller.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09But then again, you're so happy for them,
0:24:09 > 0:24:11because they've got what you want.
0:24:11 > 0:24:16And you're so pleased that someone's given a chance to live again,
0:24:16 > 0:24:19to be able to breathe again.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21You are actually pleased for them,
0:24:21 > 0:24:25even though you're devastated for yourself.
0:24:30 > 0:24:36'Coming up, Nial's survived a serious road accident, but will he walk again?'
0:24:40 > 0:24:45I know from experience, if you're a member of the emergency services,
0:24:45 > 0:24:49you may take your uniform off, but you can never escape your job.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54I once collared a shop-lifter when I was just walking out of the gym.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58If you're medically trained, there's no such thing as a day off.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Duty can call at the most inconvenient of times.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03His obs, everything's stable...
0:25:03 > 0:25:07'That's what's happened today to Dave Butterfield,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10'an ambulance officer and keen biker.
0:25:10 > 0:25:15'He was riding across the moors when he came across three injured bikers,
0:25:15 > 0:25:17'victims of a nasty smash.'
0:25:17 > 0:25:22I've seen all the people stopped here in the distance.
0:25:22 > 0:25:27I knew something had happened so I stopped to see what was going on.
0:25:27 > 0:25:34'Christine Lock was riding pillion behind husband Steve when another rider crashed and hit their bike.
0:25:34 > 0:25:40'Christine has a broken arm, leg and cuts. Steve's also hurt.'
0:25:40 > 0:25:44A motorcyclist was overtaking one of the cars
0:25:44 > 0:25:48when he's been in collision with a vehicle in the opposing direction.
0:25:48 > 0:25:54He's flipped off his machine and hit another motorcyclist, causing him to lose control.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57'Dave's not off duty any more.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01'He's coordinating a major rescue operation
0:26:01 > 0:26:03'including Helimed 99.'
0:26:03 > 0:26:07We've got 30 miles to run, so 15 minutes...
0:26:07 > 0:26:10'In the skies above North Yorkshire,
0:26:10 > 0:26:14'pilot Craig Redmond wishes he'd taken the day off.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16'It's full of amateur pilots.'
0:26:16 > 0:26:20We're coming across the A1. We've got Linton.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Further south, Rawcliffe and the area of York.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Very, very busy with gliders.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30I've got three or four visual over Linton.
0:26:30 > 0:26:37Ahead, even busier. It needs to be a good lookout from all the crew.
0:26:37 > 0:26:43'Craig and paramedic Lee Grey know there's no-one to help them avoid a mid-air collision.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46'It's up to them to see and avoid other planes.'
0:26:46 > 0:26:49The weather's perfect for biking.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53It's a lovely sunny day and a Sunday as well. It gets them all out.
0:26:53 > 0:26:59A fast straight road, it's going to involve multiple vehicles, usually.
0:26:59 > 0:27:04'Back on the A171, the main road to the seaside resort of Whitby,
0:27:04 > 0:27:08'Dave's prepared a landing site for the chopper.'
0:27:08 > 0:27:13- I've got a stump on my side. Should be OK.- Clear to your right.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Visual with the road on the left...
0:27:16 > 0:27:21'And he's there to give paramedic Tony a briefing on his patients.'
0:27:21 > 0:27:25I've got a lady and a husband off the red bike.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29I've got a gentleman off another bike at the far side.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Obs, everything is stable.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35The lady, possibly left leg, left arm injury, query fractures.
0:27:35 > 0:27:40Man in blue shirt, her husband, pain on lefthand side.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42SPO2, spot-on.
0:27:42 > 0:27:47Gentleman being treated by my other crew, injuries to his right foot.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50A bad cut, I believe. That's where we are.
0:27:50 > 0:27:55'All three bikers were thrown on the grass verge by the impact.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58'Christine's the most seriously hurt.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02'Steve is more worried about her than his own injuries.'
0:28:02 > 0:28:07- So there's no pain in this hand at all?- No.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10'The police have their own concerns.
0:28:10 > 0:28:15'They are determined to reduce injuries and deaths among bikers
0:28:15 > 0:28:19'and this incident is already under investigation.'
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- Is that pain in your arm?- Yes. - In your wrist.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25Are you all right, Christine? > Yeah. Yeah.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28We're just taking her watch off.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30Just hold your hand there.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33'Like the riders in the accident,
0:28:33 > 0:28:38'most of the eye-witnesses were on their way to the coast.'
0:28:38 > 0:28:42It's the innocent bikers have got hit for no reason.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47'Dave's still busy.'
0:28:47 > 0:28:50I chose the wrong route on the wrong day.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54'The biker who was the first to crash will go to hospital by road.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57'His sports bike is badly damaged.'
0:28:57 > 0:29:03'Because her injuries are more serious, Chris will be flying,
0:29:03 > 0:29:06'and leaving Steve behind.'
0:29:06 > 0:29:10We're about five minutes from take-off.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13'With the first casualty heading for hospital,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16'the police thank Dave for his help.'
0:29:16 > 0:29:22He's made my job a lot easier, assessing the casualties and administering first aid.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Absolutely magic.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30'Chris was flown to Scarborough hospital,
0:29:30 > 0:29:33'where she and Steve were allowed to share a ward.
0:29:33 > 0:29:38'Their bike needs major repairs but they plan to ride again next year.'
0:29:38 > 0:29:42It's tough when duty ruins your day off.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46It's harder when you're the user of your own emergency service.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51It never happened to me, but one paramedic's trip to the coast
0:29:51 > 0:29:56ended up in meeting some workmates he'd rather not have bumped into.
0:29:56 > 0:30:01'The Kilburn White Horse, a landmark overlooking the Vale of York.
0:30:01 > 0:30:06'It's a tourist attraction carved in the side of the North York Moors.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10'Today, it's a navigational aid for the crew of Helimed 98.'
0:30:10 > 0:30:13There's the white horse.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17'They've been called to a road smash by colleague Dave Gardner,
0:30:17 > 0:30:23'who alternates shifts as their despatcher with duties on a road ambulance.'
0:30:23 > 0:30:26This 4x4's been on its side.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29The driver's one of our lads from Harrogate.
0:30:29 > 0:30:34He thinks something came out of the woods, possibly a deer.
0:30:34 > 0:30:39He swerved to avoid it. He's been trapped for about 45 minutes.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43He thinks his pelvis has gone, from the pain in his back.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47'But Dave's not the only familiar face today.'
0:30:47 > 0:30:50This is Steve, a paramedic at Harrogate.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52We think he's hit a tree.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55Complaining of a lot of pain in his hip.
0:30:55 > 0:31:03'Steve was driving his girlfriend and kids back from a day by the sea when he lost control of his 4x4,
0:31:03 > 0:31:06'which rolled several times.'
0:31:07 > 0:31:11We'd been to Whitby. We were coming along there. I was asleep.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14He thought he saw something which made him swerve.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18'It took firefighters half an hour to free him.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21'Steve diagnosed his own injury.'
0:31:21 > 0:31:24ALL TALK AT ONCE
0:31:24 > 0:31:27'He fears his pelvis is broken.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30'There's no shortage of woodland around here.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33'The cause of the accident is hiding.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36'Steve swerved to avoid a deer.'
0:31:36 > 0:31:39You do see quite a lot coming onto the road.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44It's one of those natural phenomenons, isn't it?
0:31:44 > 0:31:49Make sure they let me know. Be sure somebody gets you home.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51'Steve's girlfriend was dozing.
0:31:51 > 0:31:56'Her shocked mother and kids have been taken in by a local farmer.'
0:31:56 > 0:32:01It could have been worse. We'll just thank our lucky stars.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04'The family's been very lucky.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08'Steve's injured his arm, but the air bag prevented further injury,
0:32:08 > 0:32:10'apart from his broken pelvis.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13'The two children were showered in glass.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17'Steve's answering the questions he normally asks.'
0:32:17 > 0:32:20Can you feel me touching you?
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- Yeah.- Can you feel me touching you there?- Yeah.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Have a deep breath for me again.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30- Any problems?- Just in that... - Just in that side?
0:32:30 > 0:32:35It's probably nicer for him, people that you know.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38It's a lot better for him. He'll be fine.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Right? One, two, three, go.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43'Treating a fellow paramedic
0:32:43 > 0:32:47'is an unusual experience for the Helimed team, too.'
0:32:47 > 0:32:54In 23 years, I've been to two for a paramedic or technician.
0:32:54 > 0:32:59It must be even stranger for Steve receiving it from the other end.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01He knows what's happening.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04'Steve's 4x4 is a write-off.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07'At least he's repairable.
0:33:07 > 0:33:12'In a few minutes, he'll be a patient in Harrogate hospital, a place he knows well.'
0:33:12 > 0:33:15Helicopter lifting...
0:33:17 > 0:33:21'The cause of the accident is as unusual as the patient.'
0:33:21 > 0:33:26It is quite rare for a wild animal to be involved in incidents.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Certainly, up in the Dales,
0:33:28 > 0:33:33they are a factor that motorists should consider when driving.
0:33:33 > 0:33:38If a large animal comes out in front of you,
0:33:38 > 0:33:42it's almost like, if not worse than, hitting a human.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47They cause a lot of damage to the vehicle and to the person.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50It's worse if it's a motorcycle.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54Drop a little when we come off. That's it. And down.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57'Steve spent more than a week in hospital.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00'And he's never been short of visitors.
0:34:00 > 0:34:05'Most of his workmates drop in three or more times a day.'
0:34:07 > 0:34:14When you're on holiday, it's hard to leave work behind when you're a member of the emergency services.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18Imagine driving down a country lane and you come across a car smash.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22Do you drive on? Or do you stop and try and help?
0:34:22 > 0:34:26If you're a fire officer, it's an easy decision.
0:34:26 > 0:34:32'Paramedic Lee Davison has touched down at a single-vehicle shunt in the Yorkshire Dales,
0:34:32 > 0:34:34'to find he has a helping hand.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37'Or two, to be precise.
0:34:37 > 0:34:42'Fire officer John Scott has been holding the driver's head for 15 minutes.'
0:34:42 > 0:34:47How did you get in the back, mate? Through this door?
0:34:47 > 0:34:50I'll pass that to you. OK?
0:34:50 > 0:34:53'John knew he could have a broken neck.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57'So he climbed in the back to help.'
0:34:57 > 0:35:03There was a passer-by that's been keeping the guy's head still
0:35:03 > 0:35:06in case he had any neck injuries.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09They've done all the right things.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Waited for us to get here. We've taken over now.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16I was dealing with him primarily.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19It'll be us that'll fly him off to Harrogate.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23Going to pop a tube into the back of your hand.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27'The driver's got a deep gash in his scalp.'
0:35:27 > 0:35:31I'm going to have to move this. It's a bit of lamb.
0:35:31 > 0:35:38'He's been hit by a cash register and a leg of lamb he was carrying on the back seat.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40'Now money's blowing around!
0:35:40 > 0:35:45'John's partner Lisa is doing her best to collect it.'
0:35:45 > 0:35:49There's cash everywhere. He's been coming back from work.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52There's a cash till in the back.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55Because my husband's a fire officer,
0:35:55 > 0:35:58he offered to give advice and first aid.
0:35:58 > 0:36:03He stabilised him, and we just provided towels and septic wipes.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07Collected a load of money to put it back in the car for him, bless him.
0:36:07 > 0:36:12'They were in their mobile home when they came across the accident.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15'They were well qualified to help.'
0:36:15 > 0:36:18We're both in the fire service so we're used to it!
0:36:18 > 0:36:25I'm in the control room so we're used to dealing with emergency services.
0:36:25 > 0:36:31'Thanks to their 999 call, the emergency services are arriving in force.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35'Lee knows that he also needs John's local colleagues.
0:36:35 > 0:36:40'Without the fire brigade's cutters, they'll never free their patient.'
0:36:40 > 0:36:46Dave, can you activate the fire service? We're going to need them to get him out.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49'Now reinforcements have arrived,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52'someone can take over the head holding.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56'And off-duty hero John can resume his holiday.'
0:36:56 > 0:37:02Just finished doing the washing-up so I had my Marigolds to hand.
0:37:02 > 0:37:08'They had just left a local campsite when they saw the accident.'
0:37:08 > 0:37:13The vehicle rolled three times so there's a risk of spinal injuries.
0:37:13 > 0:37:18Keeping his head nice and still, making sure he doesn't go anywhere.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21'Cutting the driver free is not going to be easy.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24'But the firefighters around here
0:37:24 > 0:37:29'are as well equipped as John's team back in Nottinghamshire.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31'And the roof is soon off the car,
0:37:31 > 0:37:35'allowing the Helimed team to extract their patient.'
0:37:35 > 0:37:39Keep nice and still for me. Keep still.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45'The driver was flown to hospital in Harrogate,
0:37:45 > 0:37:47'where his head was stitched up.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49'He later failed a breath test.'
0:37:52 > 0:37:56And I'm pleased to say, all our patients recovered.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01Here in Catterick Garrison, everyone's mind is on ten-year-old Nial Ryan,
0:38:01 > 0:38:05knocked down here on his way home from school.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08Big lamppost here.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12'There's no doubt, Helimed 99 pilot Steve Cobb was the hero,
0:38:12 > 0:38:17'squeezing his helicopter into a town-centre crossroads.'
0:38:17 > 0:38:22You're all clear front left. Clear of the lamppost, clear of the tree.
0:38:22 > 0:38:27'The rotorblades feet from street lamps, traffic lights and trees.
0:38:27 > 0:38:35'Thanks to his flying, ten-year-old Nial, who was critically injured when he was knocked down by a car,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38'is now on his way to hospital.'
0:38:38 > 0:38:41And blades are clear of lamppost.
0:38:41 > 0:38:46'The crash team at James Cook in Middlesbrough are on stand-by.'
0:38:46 > 0:38:49From Catterick to James Cook.
0:38:49 > 0:38:54'It's ten minutes since Steve lifted off from Catterick.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58'Now, he's on final approach to the hospital helipad.'
0:38:58 > 0:39:03- Pilot safe lock.- Safe lock rear door.- Safe lock front left.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08'The crew know patients don't get much more critical than Nial.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12'The next 24 hours will be crucial.
0:39:12 > 0:39:18'Inside James Cook Hospital, doctors operate on their young patient for much of the evening.
0:39:18 > 0:39:24'Just 48 hours later, Nial's well enough to be transferred to the children's ward.
0:39:24 > 0:39:30'He's from an army family. Mum Fran's now in civvy street.
0:39:30 > 0:39:35'And she was just around the corner when the accident happened.'
0:39:35 > 0:39:37< I was stuck in the traffic
0:39:37 > 0:39:39that had started to build up.
0:39:39 > 0:39:44So I had stopped, and my phone rang.
0:39:44 > 0:39:49A taxi driver got my number and told me that he'd been in an accident.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53I went up the road the wrong way, round the corner.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57And it was just opposite the bus stop.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00My knees just went beneath me.
0:40:00 > 0:40:06'Nial's arm and leg were badly broken and he lost a lot of blood.
0:40:06 > 0:40:11'His mum knows she has the Helimed team to thank for his rapid surgery.'
0:40:11 > 0:40:14The air crew were fantastic.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18I remember the helicopter flying overhead.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21Then one of the military police saying
0:40:21 > 0:40:25they were going to land it in the middle of the crossroads.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28You don't think it's that big.
0:40:28 > 0:40:33The way they did it, I mean, that's one hell of a pilot that did that.
0:40:33 > 0:40:38'Army families are used to facing adversity on almost a daily basis.
0:40:38 > 0:40:43'So it's no surprise that, a few weeks later, Nial is back
0:40:43 > 0:40:47'at one of the four primary schools in Catterick Garrison.'
0:40:47 > 0:40:51- Good morning. - CHILDREN: Good morning!
0:40:51 > 0:40:55'Nial's accident has been the talk of the playground,
0:40:55 > 0:41:00'a welcome change for families waiting for news from Afghanistan and Iraq.
0:41:00 > 0:41:07'And first lesson is to show what Nial should have been doing when he crossed the road.'
0:41:07 > 0:41:11- What things help us cross a road? - < Traffic lights.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Are they all stopped?
0:41:14 > 0:41:19- Yeah.- Is it safe to cross? Keep looking as you cross the road.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Excellent. Off to school.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25Perfect. Give them a round of applause.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29'North Yorkshire County Council's road safety guru Neil Strickland
0:41:29 > 0:41:34'sees youngsters injured on our roads all too often.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39'Now he's got the perfect tool - the frame holding Nial's leg together.'
0:41:39 > 0:41:45- What do you think was your first mistake?- Running across the road the first time.
0:41:45 > 0:41:52- What should you have done? - Used the traffic lights.- Mm-hm.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56If the car had been going faster it would have been a lot worse.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58At least you're still here.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03I never heard about any of my friends getting hurt that much.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05It really scared me.
0:42:05 > 0:42:12We've got a long time left in our lives and we can't go around being scared but you have to be careful.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16'Catterick lives with the reality of war in Afghanistan.
0:42:16 > 0:42:23'Barely a week goes by without a family seeing a friend or colleague on the casualty list.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26'But the accident affected the whole town.
0:42:26 > 0:42:32'Without the medical skills of some soldiers, Nial may not have lived to reach hospital.'
0:42:32 > 0:42:36When Helicopter Heroes comes back,
0:42:36 > 0:42:38'paramedic Sammy meets a difficult patient.'
0:42:38 > 0:42:42Stop it!
0:42:42 > 0:42:46'The team fight to save a farm worker trapped in a baling machine.'
0:42:46 > 0:42:49We have to amputate your left arm.
0:42:50 > 0:42:55'It's a tight squeeze as paramedic Tony leads the operation to rescue
0:42:55 > 0:42:57'the victim of a bizarre accident.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04'And a holiday on the coast ends in a serious crash.'
0:43:04 > 0:43:06A nasty open skull fracture.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd