0:00:03 > 0:00:08If you're critically ill or seriously injured in a place like this,
0:00:08 > 0:00:12there's only one thing that can save you and that's speed.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15It doesn't matter where you are this helicopter,
0:00:15 > 0:00:18with its highly trained team of pilots and paramedics,
0:00:18 > 0:00:22will fly to your rescue at 4.5 miles a minute.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25These are Yorkshire's Helicopter Heroes.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49When the people of England's biggest county dial 999
0:00:49 > 0:00:52there's a good chance help will come from the skies.
0:00:52 > 0:00:58The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is ready to scramble 365 days a year
0:00:58 > 0:01:02and each one brings a new life or death emergency.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07Today on Helicopter Heroes, there's a major road accident.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Difficulty getting through because the weather is quite bad up here.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13And the Helimed team are battling appalling weather.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19One of the RAF's top guns ejects.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22At the moment he is in quite severe pain but he is stable.
0:01:22 > 0:01:28Why this teenage showjumper looks a little familiar to paramedic Darren Axe.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32As far as I am aware, she will be the first repeat customer that we've ever had.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37And a young biker proves wearing the right safety gear can't always save you from serious injury.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40How does that feel, does that feel normal?
0:01:45 > 0:01:49Rain is one of the biggest hazards on the road
0:01:49 > 0:01:52yet, still the easiest to forget.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55It takes longer to stop, you can't see as well
0:01:55 > 0:01:58and if you need help, that is going to take longer too.
0:02:00 > 0:02:06It's a rainy day on the outskirts of Leeds and Helimed 99 is at the scene of a road accident.
0:02:06 > 0:02:11The occupants of two cars have been lucky, their injuries are minor
0:02:11 > 0:02:16despite an impact which tore off the suspension of one vehicle.
0:02:16 > 0:02:22Paramedics Pat and Sammy know none of the casualties are serious enough to need a flight to hospital,
0:02:22 > 0:02:24which is just as well,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26they are badly needed 30 miles away.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31'We've got a four vehicle RTA with persons trapped on a coach, over.'
0:02:31 > 0:02:35As far as we know there's been a road traffic involving a coach with possibly four people injured.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Weather's coming in a bit
0:02:37 > 0:02:39but hopefully we should be able to make it there.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Just get off as soon as we can.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48High in the hills of the Yorkshire Wolds there's been a major accident.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52Emergency services from two counties have been scrambled to the crash.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56I come round the bend, I just saw the bus in the middle of the road,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59and then I saw the cars on the side. That's all I have seen.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01Helimed 99 receiving York control.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04At least three patients reported unconscious
0:03:04 > 0:03:11and as many as up to eight patients injured, and that is without any update as yet.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Helimed 99, roger, is there any chance you could get in touch with our air desk
0:03:14 > 0:03:17and ask the availability of the second aircraft?
0:03:19 > 0:03:25Helimed 99 that's already been done. They are contacting the RAF for support.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Pilot Steve Cobb knows they're urgently needed.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33He also knows the weather is deteriorating and he is going to need all his skills to get there.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- I don't think this is going to work, Sammy.- It's not looking good is it?
0:03:39 > 0:03:41It's not very high at the moment.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- This must be the lowest part of the...- The journey.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48At last Sammy and Steve find a valley that will take them through the hills
0:03:48 > 0:03:52to the location of the accident and the news from the scene isn't good.
0:03:52 > 0:03:58At the moment there are four patients but that is just an initial scene sweep,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02I am waiting for a more substantial update.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06I have been told there are 56 Polish persons on board.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09We have no idea if any of them are injured.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Helimed 99, roger, just for your information
0:04:12 > 0:04:17we are having difficulty in getting through because the weather is quite bad up here.
0:04:19 > 0:04:26Drenched by heavy rain and covered by low cloud, the accident scene is a paramedic's nightmare.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31A coach load of foreign workers, five seriously injured patients,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34two of them still trapped in the wreckage of their vehicles.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38The dilemma for Pat and Sammy is who needs them most.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43The Polish workers, most of them can speak a little bit of English...
0:04:43 > 0:04:45but obviously this guy here...
0:04:45 > 0:04:48I think he'll probably be ours.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53- He's just severely trapped.- He's the worse trapped, you take that one and then I'll check those two out.
0:04:59 > 0:05:05Coming up, the first victim of the accident is freed but his life is in the balance.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09The first casualty has been taken by the police helicopter.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12The team welcome aboard their first frequent flyer.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17This is her second trip on the ambulance now, also horse related.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21And what happened when a 14 year old racing driver hit the barriers.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30Yorkshire is home is to some of the UK's most crowded skies.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33All the RAF top gun pilots start their training here.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35So, these guys have to keep a good lookout
0:05:35 > 0:05:40and if there's a crash, the Helimed team are among the first to know.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44Every morning at the Helimed base there's a briefing for the crew.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47We've got Brough occasional reactivation.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52If it is happening in the air over Yorkshire they'll find out about it.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Aerobatic practice by military aircraft at RAF Linton on Ouse
0:05:55 > 0:06:00and that's from 12 o'clock to half twelve daily.
0:06:00 > 0:06:0420 miles away at the RAF's busiest base,
0:06:04 > 0:06:11the fighter pilots of tomorrow are learning to fly 300mph Tucano trainers.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15Their instructors include some of the RAF's most experienced top guns
0:06:15 > 0:06:20and each year one is selected to perform in air displays across the country.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25But today his aerobatic sequence has ended in a terrible crash.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Helimed 98 outbound to Linton.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Helimed 98 is on the case.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35An air crash means an instant scramble.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40For ex-military pilot Tim Taylor the adrenalin is pumping.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Get the 55 just in case he's not on the airfield, mate.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53'Just to let you know RAF Kinloss has been on,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56'Rescue 128 are coming across from Leconfield.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00'Their medical officer says all ejectees should go to Queen's
0:07:00 > 0:07:06'at Nottingham. I have told him if he's badly injured we will be going into the nearest, over.'
0:07:06 > 0:07:10Helimed 98, yeah roger, all received.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14Can we confirm this is actually on the airfield, over.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22'Helimed 98, apparently the aircraft we believe on the base
0:07:22 > 0:07:27'but they haven't located the pilot that has ejected, as yet, over.'
0:07:27 > 0:07:32This is serious, the pilot has ejected at 50 feet.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36Bailing out too low has killed pilots in the past.
0:07:36 > 0:07:37If he's bailed out he'll have a sore back.
0:07:37 > 0:07:43The only issue I have is he might have flares and pyrotechnics in his waistcoat.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47I think if he is seriously injured we'll just scoop him and take him to LGI.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52Linton's entire fleet of Tucano trainers is being recalled to base
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- or asked to land elsewhere. - There's one to the left.- There.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Wilco, Helimed 98 Alpha.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Luckily they have found the pilot,
0:08:02 > 0:08:06he has landed on the airfield itself.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11The crashed plane has hit the ground yards from the runway.
0:08:11 > 0:08:18- Hi there.- How are you doing? - Not too bad. How are you doing here?
0:08:18 > 0:08:21Obviously, we've got a pilot doing aerobatics,
0:08:21 > 0:08:25ejectee approximately 50 feet from the ground.
0:08:25 > 0:08:30Basically, we are worried about his back and the smoothest route to the hospital.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33OK we got a message about SAR on their way as well.
0:08:33 > 0:08:34Probably from Leconfield, yeah.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Hiya, doc, I'm Pete.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42- What's this guy's name?- The pilot is one of the RAF's top air show crew.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45He's been incredibly lucky.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50He has ejected from his Tucano trainer at just 50 feet in the middle of an aerobatic display.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53He started doing his second run
0:08:53 > 0:08:57and the aircraft didn't recover out of a loop basically.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Now have you ever had morphine before?
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- Yes.- You have. Any problems with that?- No.- Right.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07But he is complaining of back pain, it's a bad sign.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Ejection can badly damage the spine.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14Military pilots learn to live with huge forces of acceleration.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16In combat, they will experience up to 10G
0:09:16 > 0:09:20when the human body can literally weigh a tonne.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25The display pilot has just endured 100G.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30That's what happens when high explosives blast an ejection seat out of a plane.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33He is in quite a deal of pain at the moment.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37He has obviously got the back pain from ejecting from the aircraft.
0:09:37 > 0:09:43In combination with that he has fractured his left wrist and he has also got an injury to his ankle.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46So, at the moment he is in quite severe pain but he is stable.
0:09:48 > 0:09:54The pilot is a former Harrier Jump Jet ace who survived combat in the Gulf War unscathed.
0:09:54 > 0:10:00But the flying instructor knows better than most that one ejection can end a military pilot's career.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12Coming up, the RAF scramble their own rescue team to airlift the downed flyer.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20Paramedic Pat is concerned for the condition of a seriously injured driver.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22He's trapped by his chest and his legs.
0:10:22 > 0:10:28And the unsung heroes of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade come to the rescue.
0:10:32 > 0:10:38The two Yorkshire air ambulances cover a population of five million.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42So, your chances of getting a life saving flight aren't that high.
0:10:42 > 0:10:48But one patient has beaten those odds by claiming a title few of us would envy.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56It's the spring of 2008 and teenage rider Charlotte needs help.
0:10:56 > 0:11:03She has just come off her horse, Muffin, on a farm in North Yorkshire and she's in pain.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07Helimed 99 is coming to the rescue with paramedic Darren Axe on board,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11a man who is unlikely to take up showjumping any time soon.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15He knows what horses can do to the human body.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20You could wind up with a burst bladder or sever major blood vessels
0:11:20 > 0:11:23but we've also got other injuries as well.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25A possible fractured arm and another fractured leg.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Charlotte is in good hands.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31She'll soon be in hospital being checked out for back injuries.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33And Charlotte is about to become a statistic.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38One of 6,000 patients carried by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in nine years.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40They are absolutely fantastic.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42They came and did a wonderful job
0:11:42 > 0:11:45and sorted her out very quickly, which was brilliant.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49Despite a lengthy stay in hospital and a dislocated hip
0:11:49 > 0:11:53Charlotte was determined to get back in the saddle as soon as possible.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56I probably won't jump for a while.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58As soon as I could walk I was on a horse.
0:11:58 > 0:12:03I really want to go riding now but it might be a bit hard.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06But barely a year after her recovery,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09Helimed 99 is heading to a farm in North Yorkshire
0:12:09 > 0:12:11with a familiar address.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16Darren Axe can't help having a feeling of deja vu.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18We have arrived on scene at this detail.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20My colleague is checking the patient out.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25When I saw the patient I realised that I've seen this patient before
0:12:25 > 0:12:27and taken her to hospital.
0:12:27 > 0:12:33So, as far as I am aware she will be the first repeat customer that we've ever had with the air ambulance.
0:12:33 > 0:12:34- What's her name?- Charlotte.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Charlotte are you all right, sweetie?
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Charlotte, we are just going to have a little feel on your back
0:12:39 > 0:12:41while we wait for my colleague to get his spinal board.
0:12:41 > 0:12:46OK were you knocked out at all?
0:12:46 > 0:12:48- No.- OK.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51You have definitely got some pain in the middle of your back.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55Charlotte, do you have some pain in the middle of your back?
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Here.- OK. When my colleague's come what we'll do is straighten your legs out
0:12:58 > 0:13:01and roll you onto your back to have a proper look at you.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05Once again Charlotte has come off her horse and injured her back.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09Her mum is concerned for her daughter, coming off so soon after her last injury.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11Let's take your hat off make your more comfy.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15Unfortunately we have had a riding accident before, yes.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19She is in pain in mainly her back, her leg and her knee.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24And her breathing has not been too brilliant but it seems to be better now.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26What is your horse called then?
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- Muffin.- Fluffy?
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- Muffin.- Muffin.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Sounds more like a cat than a horse.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37This time the team has Dr Tim Mole on board.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Ready, steady, roll.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Good girl.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46Straighten your legs up, please.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50That's it we're not going to hurt you. Just want to check out the middle of your back.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Got to be very careful with horses and backs.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Last year, Charlotte's injuries weren't too serious
0:13:56 > 0:14:00but this time she has hit a fence as well as the ground.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04The horse just took off with her. He wasn't stopping.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08And I thought he was stopping at the fence here but the horse and her just came straight over.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12She still has feeling in her legs, that's a good sign.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- OK, you are doing really well. - But Doctor Tim is not taking any chances,
0:14:15 > 0:14:17she could have a spinal injury
0:14:17 > 0:14:20and she will have to be checked out in hospital.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24She seems to have injured probably the sides, near where her back is.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26She has got quite a lot of leg pain as well.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Her airway is fine, her breathing is fine,
0:14:28 > 0:14:31her circulation seems to be fine, which is all good.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34We have to take a fall from a height and back pain quite seriously.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38We are going to immobilise her back so no further damage could happen
0:14:38 > 0:14:43and we are going to take her off to York Hospital for some precautionary X-rays and things.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Paramedic Darren isn't used to seeing patients twice,
0:14:46 > 0:14:50but he knows Charlotte didn't choose to hurt herself again.
0:14:50 > 0:14:56If we are going into York, we will be there no later than 13.00.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59Ten minutes.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Ready, steady and lift.
0:15:02 > 0:15:09Charlotte is a talented rider and she has been very unlucky to have two bad falls in such a short time.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12We've reserved your usual seat. Nice and cosy!
0:15:12 > 0:15:17X-rays at York Hospital will confirm whether Charlotte has indeed damaged her back.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22For doctor Tim, her accident has confirmed his views of horses.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26They are big, they are fast, unpredictable, they are dangerous,
0:15:26 > 0:15:30they are definitely dangerous and you are going to get a lot of injuries from them.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33This is her second trip on the ambulance now, also horse related.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37So, let's hope she sticks to a safer hobby next time.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Once bitten, twice shy and all that.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44Thankfully, Charlotte's injuries prove to be minor and she's now back in the saddle.
0:15:49 > 0:15:56Coming up, an RAF fighter ace has survived a last minute ejection, but has it damaged his spine?
0:15:57 > 0:16:03And, Helimed 99 is on the home straight as a motor race is halted following a crash.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12Now, let's rejoin the rescue operation to save the seriously injured victims
0:16:12 > 0:16:16of a multiple pile-up high on the Yorkshire Wolds.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18On a country road in the heart of East Yorkshire,
0:16:18 > 0:16:24three cars and a coach have crashed, seriously injuring five people.
0:16:24 > 0:16:30This is a major incident. Paramedics Pat and Sammy desperately need back up.
0:16:30 > 0:16:37The crew of the local police helicopter will take a man with head injuries to hospital in Hull.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42But the man who was driving the car in which he was a passenger is a long way from surgery.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45He is trapped in the twisted wreckage of his Citroen.
0:16:45 > 0:16:52It is quite a difficult situation because both cars are in quite a severe state.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55We are just establishing some pain relief
0:16:55 > 0:16:59before we start cutting him out, which is morphine.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04To add to the paramedics problems their patient is Polish and
0:17:04 > 0:17:08his command of English means they don't know exactly what his injuries are.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- Do you speak any English?- Yes.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Do you have any medical problems?
0:17:15 > 0:17:18We are still having difficulties getting this gent out of this car.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20He is trapped by his chest and legs.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Fortunately the passengers on the coach, many of them
0:17:23 > 0:17:28workmates of the injured driver, have escaped serious injury.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Now, they can only watch as the battle to free their colleague goes on.
0:17:31 > 0:17:37At least the team have a willing helper in pilot Steve, who is free to talk to base.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41Pat's asking could you just give Dave an update
0:17:41 > 0:17:44and a request that he has a crew available at York.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Once we've got him out, we are just going to snatch and go.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51With the road blocked in both directions by emergency vehicles and
0:17:51 > 0:17:55queuing traffic, helicopters are vital.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Thankfully, the RAF is flying to the rescue.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02On board a Sea King from the local search and rescue base is a medical team
0:18:02 > 0:18:09which includes two basics doctors, volunteer GPs trained in trauma medicine.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14OK that chap's going with yours and this one's coming with RAF.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17So the rest are out.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21Pavel was driving to work from his home in Hull
0:18:21 > 0:18:26to a meat packing plant 40 miles away in North Yorkshire when the accident happened.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30The bus was on the same journey.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34The head-on impact has left him and another driver pinned in their cars.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Are we ready?
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Cutting now.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44Paramedic Pat suspects Pavel may have broken his back.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49It means he will have to be removed from his seat very carefully if they are not to further damage his spine.
0:18:51 > 0:18:58Pat's trying hard to reduce Pavel's pain while the fire service work out how to free his legs.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08The speed limit on this road is 60.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13The two drivers could have survived an impact of up to 120 mph.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18But the weather is freezing and both are beginning to show the signs of hypothermia.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24One patient is already on his way to hospital by air.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27The first casualty has been taken by the police helicopter and
0:19:27 > 0:19:29this guy here is going to go with the RAF.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32We have our patient in that car over there,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35still quite badly trapped, so it could be a while for us yet.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37The weather is not getting better.
0:19:37 > 0:19:42Steve knows it could be an hour or more before he gets to take off with his patient.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44But there is some good news.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46Our pilot has just asked me to pass on to you
0:19:46 > 0:19:50that the weather conditions towards Hull are clear.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52Right. We are going to York.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58Steve knows that Hull Royal Infirmary have received most of the patients from the crash.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03So taking another critical case there could overload its doctors.
0:20:03 > 0:20:11He must fly west to York into the worst of the weather if Pavel is to have the best chance of recovery.
0:20:15 > 0:20:21Coming up, the driver is finally freed but his survival is in serious doubt.
0:20:21 > 0:20:27The teenage racing driver proves he has the skills for Formula One by blaming someone else.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30The other car went into the back of me.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40When the scramble phone rings at the Helimed base, every call out gets the same response.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45But for the aircrew, a plane crash means an extra sense of urgency.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50At RAF training base in North Yorkshire, a Tucano trainer
0:20:50 > 0:20:56has crashed seconds after its pilot bailed out in the middle of an aerobatics display.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00His ejection from his stricken plane has left him with severe pain
0:21:00 > 0:21:04from back injuries, a broken wrist and ankle.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08Paramedic Pete Vallance has given him morphine to dull the pain.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11He was 50 feet doing acrobatics when this occurred.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16What we need to do now will be a joint effort.
0:21:16 > 0:21:17Search and rescue are coming in.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21With anyone who ejects from an aircraft, they go to Nottingham to be checked over.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26That is a specialist centre for it. We'll stabilise him, get him packaged and
0:21:26 > 0:21:30then Search and Rescue guys will nip him down there an he will get the treatment he requires.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33The pilot has been in good hands.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37The station medical officer was in the gym raising money
0:21:37 > 0:21:39for Comic Relief when he was scrambled to the crash.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42He is still wearing his red nose tee shirt.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46We are busy in the fund raising thing because it's Comic Relief day tomorrow.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51Just trying to raise some money for charity and then we heard there'd been an accident.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55We were really still assessing him when the air ambulance got here,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58so we really need to get him off to hospital now.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02In 20 years, only three Tucanos have actually crashed.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05But the airfield's emergency crews were quick to react.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07The aircraft at the time was doing aerobatics.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11So, the crash crew and the ambulance were already manned up.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14So, when he hit the ground, they immediately responded.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17So, they were here within a minute at the most.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22The RAF has grounded its Tucano trainer fleet until the emergency is over.
0:22:22 > 0:22:28The pilot was booked to perform at air displays all over the UK. Now that's in doubt.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30And even more could be at stake.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34Back injuries can ground pilots for good.
0:22:34 > 0:22:42The pilot has been very lucky. 30 years ago, few airmen would have survived ejecting at just 50 feet
0:22:42 > 0:22:47but the former Jump Jet pilot's parachute opened in time and saved his life.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Can you get me a blanket to go on top?
0:22:50 > 0:22:56The RAF has 50 years of knowledge in treating the injuries caused by ejection seats.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00They have a specialist unit at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham
0:23:00 > 0:23:03where downed pilots can be nursed back to health.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06What you want to do is keep him so his legs won't be on the ground as we come out.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09They've got to be slightly raised off there.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Helimed 98 won't be carrying this patient.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16The RAF has called in a Sea King Search and Rescue helicopter
0:23:16 > 0:23:19to fly the pilot the 80 miles to Nottingham.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23Search and Rescue have given us an ETA now.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25They will be here in two or three minutes.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28We will hand over. One of the RAF doctors
0:23:28 > 0:23:33will then travel with the patient through to hospital.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36There was a time when any ejection
0:23:36 > 0:23:42reduced a pilot's height by an inch, crushing his vertebrae.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Two ejections and you were grounded.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48This flyer was lucky. The advances in technology meant
0:23:48 > 0:23:52he quickly recovered and will soon be back in the air again.
0:23:58 > 0:24:03Coming up, the victim of a major accident needs an urgent flight to hospital.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06Helimed 99, just to let you know, this patient is critical.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09Can the team beat the weather?
0:24:14 > 0:24:20The Helimed team love their machinery and off-duty, many of them are motor sport nuts.
0:24:20 > 0:24:25But a new generation of petrol heads are keeping them busy at work too.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41None of these young petrol heads is out of their teens, yet they are
0:24:41 > 0:24:47spending their Sunday afternoon roaring around a kart circuit at 70 mph
0:24:47 > 0:24:49and occasionally crashing.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54This is how Formula One drivers like Jensen Button started their careers.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58And flying paramedic Paul Bradbury hopes his 11-year-old son Connor
0:24:58 > 0:25:01will soon hit the big time too, despite the dangers.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05Motor sport is safe if it is regulated properly
0:25:05 > 0:25:07and I'd much rather he was doing this than
0:25:07 > 0:25:10riding a horse which you are dealing with an animal
0:25:10 > 0:25:13but you've not really got total control over it.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16It's got a mind of its own and it will do what it wants regardless of
0:25:16 > 0:25:19how good a rider and how good a horse you've got.
0:25:19 > 0:25:25But youngsters doing motor sports certainly keep Yorkshire's flying paramedics busy.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32On the outskirts of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, a combination of
0:25:32 > 0:25:39youthful exuberance and a few dozen horsepower has brought this daring teenager's day to a painful end.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43We've been despatched up into Pateley Bridge up in the
0:25:43 > 0:25:50Dales area to an incident involving a motor cyclist but an off road motor cyclist.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Come off a trials bike.
0:25:53 > 0:25:58But his next burst of adrenalin is about to come from Helimed 99.
0:25:58 > 0:26:04Famous among petrol heads as the machine that saved Top Gear's Richard Hammond for the nation.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07On board are paramedics Al Day and Lee Davison.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10And they both know what today's patient is going through.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14They both used to ride off road motorbikes in their younger days
0:26:14 > 0:26:21and understand the draw of petrol fumes in a circuit full of twists, turns and jumps.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24I was riding bikes since I was five or six.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26All sorts of off road bikes.
0:26:26 > 0:26:32I've also got road time as well on some bigger machines.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36I used to love the off road type of stuff,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39but obviously the main thing in off-roading is the protection.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43You must wear proper protection. If you don't, it will catch you out.
0:26:43 > 0:26:48Yorkshire has been bathed in sunshine for days and that's causing problems for pilot Steve Cobb.
0:26:48 > 0:26:53As he tries to land Helimed 99, the dust blown up from the disused quarry
0:26:53 > 0:26:56means he can barely see the ground.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00INAUDIBLE
0:27:02 > 0:27:06A ground medic has just arrived to help 17-year-old Joshua Pope.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10He has been thrown off his quad bike and is still lying where he fell.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13- Hi, are you all right.- Yes.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16- Al's just doing your blood pressure, all right.- Yeah.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20He's also got some worrying symptoms. Tingling in his fingers
0:27:20 > 0:27:24and pain in his neck could all be signs of a very serious injury.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27It could indicate some sort of spinal injury so we are going to
0:27:27 > 0:27:30have to be gentle with him and just treat him carefully.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33A nice smooth ride to get him down to hospital.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36It is a lot better for him to fly out of here because, although it is
0:27:36 > 0:27:41not that far to Harrogate from here, the ride out of this quarry in the ambulance
0:27:41 > 0:27:45is going to be very bumpy and if he does have a spinal injury, that could make it a lot worse.
0:27:45 > 0:27:50Joshua's family and friends come here every year for a weekend of racing.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54But they all make sure they are wearing the right protective clothing.
0:27:54 > 0:27:59It's not cheap but a good helmet, back protector and sturdy boots
0:27:59 > 0:28:01have almost certainly saved Joshua's life.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03One, two, three, roll.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Medics like Lee and Al know that every time they touch a patient
0:28:08 > 0:28:12with a spinal injury they could make it worse.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16One wrong move and Joshua's quad-biking days could be over.
0:28:18 > 0:28:23Helimed 99 is not only quicker at transporting patients to hospital, but avoiding bumpy country roads
0:28:23 > 0:28:29makes it a smoother ride as well and that could make all the difference to Joshua's recovery.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32He has had a lot of good protective clothing on,
0:28:32 > 0:28:37he had a proper back protector on, proper kidney protector, good helmet, good gloves, everything.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41Just some pain relief. Got him as comfortable as we can.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44His observations are fine. Flying him to Harrogate.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49After a thorough examination in hospital, doctors could find no serious injuries and
0:28:49 > 0:28:56Joshua is now back on his quad bike and with a rescue story he can recount for the rest of his life.
0:28:59 > 0:29:05Back at the kart track, paramedic Paul has made sure his son Connor has all the right kit, too.
0:29:05 > 0:29:06He knows how important it can be.
0:29:06 > 0:29:14All the drivers have to do a test or an exam before they can actually get in the karts and race on a track.
0:29:14 > 0:29:20Before every race and every meeting, we have a scrutineer that comes out, checks all the karts to make sure
0:29:20 > 0:29:24they are safe and the suits are safe, helmet, gloves, neck protectors and shoes.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28So, everything that happens around the sport is regulated.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32But for some teenagers, karts aren't enough.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34They want to race the real thing.
0:29:34 > 0:29:39Grass track racing involves old bangers and lots of mud.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45And today in North Yorkshire, the race has ended in a dramatic accident.
0:29:45 > 0:29:53Paramedics Tony Wilkes and Ben Anderson are used to car crashes but not with drivers this young.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57At the Yorkshire Dales grass track circuit, racing has been halted and
0:29:57 > 0:29:59in the back of a St. John's Ambulance,
0:29:59 > 0:30:07first aiders are taking care of 14 year old Aidan Ingles after a high speed smash.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11Shunted from behind. He says he felt his head go forward.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14I saw a big cloud of dust and bits of car flying everywhere.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17I was kind of chilling out watching it. Ooh, what happened there?
0:30:19 > 0:30:23Racing drivers have a fatalistic attitude to crashing
0:30:23 > 0:30:28and competitors in the next race can't wait for Helimed 99 to clear the track.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30They will just have to wait.
0:30:30 > 0:30:36He was boarded, collared, he was carried out of the vehicle and the crews in there with him as well.
0:30:36 > 0:30:42Aidan crashed in front of hundreds of spectators many of them parents of drivers.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45They don't know how serious his injury is.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47A marshal saw it happen.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Three cars came together.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51One got squeezed and bounced off the alcove.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54Unfortunately another car collected it right up the back
0:30:54 > 0:30:57and he's damaged his neck I think, so he's not so well.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01We cut the door skins off, we cut the roll cage off the side
0:31:01 > 0:31:05and then we managed to get him out sideways and on to the board.
0:31:05 > 0:31:10This is Aidan, 14 years old. He's... oh, they've moved it now.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14Volunteer medics have done a good job making sure his spine
0:31:14 > 0:31:19is protected and keeping him warm in the back of their Land Rover.
0:31:19 > 0:31:27What's worrying Tony is a lump track medics believe they have felt in Aidan's neck.
0:31:27 > 0:31:28It could be broken.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35Tony knows Aidan urgently needs to be checked out in hospital.
0:31:35 > 0:31:40Aidan's dad, Peter, who doubles as his mechanic and manager, saw it all.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42He's keeping a brave face.
0:31:42 > 0:31:49They came off the bottom corner and I'm not sure if it was the steering on the car
0:31:49 > 0:31:54but he was forced into the alcove and another vehicle
0:31:54 > 0:31:58sort of like shunted the stationary vehicle
0:31:58 > 0:32:02and unfortunately that's the result.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04Bring him across slowly, I suppose.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07It's quite thick grass...
0:32:07 > 0:32:12Aidan knew he had chosen a risky sport but he never expected this.
0:32:12 > 0:32:17Psychologists say teenagers are much worse than adults at recognising danger.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21Now Aidan has come face to face with the reality of a racing accident.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Tony is doing his best to relax him.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Fingers crossed you've not done any harm.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31Obviously all this precaution in case you have done some damage to your back, all right.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33Everything seems to be in order.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37So, we will fly down to Harrogate and have a look at you.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41One good sign is Aidan can remember exactly what happened.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48The other car went up the back of me.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51At least he's not been unconscious.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55His fellow drivers are about to start the next race
0:32:55 > 0:32:59but it will be a while before Aidan sees the chequered flag again.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07The first time you've been in a helicopter, innit?
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Dad's flying too.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15Father and son live in Harrogate but they couldn't have counted on going home this quickly.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18Just precautionary is this.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Better safe than sorry.
0:33:21 > 0:33:27Last year he was junior runner up in his club champion.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32He has got a few trophies for second and third places.
0:33:32 > 0:33:37He's got no fear. He's all go for it, is Aidan.
0:33:37 > 0:33:43Helimed 99. We will be landing in about another three minutes.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45I may lose you because of my low height.
0:33:46 > 0:33:52It will be a tense hour before Peter Ingles finds out if his teenage son has sustained a serious injury.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55Doctors at Harrogate Hospital are on standby.
0:33:55 > 0:34:01It was one of those small cars with a roll cage, well strapped in.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04He has had a bump from behind by another car.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08In a few minutes Aidan will be undergoing a full examination.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12That will decide whether he is given the all clear
0:34:12 > 0:34:15or faces weeks in hospital.
0:34:15 > 0:34:20But just a week later car number 106 has its driver back.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23Aidan was released from hospital after a check up.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27His injury was no worse than a bit of whiplash.
0:34:27 > 0:34:32The rigid steel roll cage he and his dad built into the car saved him.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35I think he was very lucky really.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39You've got the strength of the cage and you've got the harness
0:34:39 > 0:34:41over your shoulder so you are pinned to your seat.
0:34:41 > 0:34:46If they are on properly you cannot move from your seat.
0:34:47 > 0:34:53I think for those safety features, yeah he's a lucky lad.
0:34:53 > 0:34:59Aidan can't wait to get behind the wheel and this time he hopes to stay away from the barriers.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Rules mean safety in motor sport and when things go wrong,
0:35:07 > 0:35:11the track marshal's word is law, even when it means you are out of the race.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15For paramedic Paul and his son its back to the pits.
0:35:15 > 0:35:21Even in karting every detail is governed by regulations, for a reason.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27We have been to events recently where we have been hovering above.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32We have been called out and when we've got there they've not actually stopped the racing for us to land.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35Obviously the problem is we can't land at an event
0:35:35 > 0:35:37with quads and bikes still going round.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40As, obviously a big yellow helicopter coming out of the sky
0:35:40 > 0:35:42is going to take their concentration
0:35:42 > 0:35:44and possibly even cause a bigger accident
0:35:44 > 0:35:46than there was in the first place.
0:35:46 > 0:35:53This is what can happen when the brakes are taken off enthusiasm.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57Helimed 98 has been scrambled to a disused quarry near Doncaster
0:35:57 > 0:36:00that has been turned into an off-road bike track.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04A young racer has been thrown off his powerful machine.
0:36:04 > 0:36:09Yeah, 98 head towards Finningley we will update soon as.
0:36:11 > 0:36:12- Did you get that Tim?- Yeah.
0:36:12 > 0:36:18The track is right next to Robin Hood Airport, a busy international hub for holidaymakers.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21Pilot Tim is heading straight for its approach path.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24I'm just going to slow it down until we know where we're going
0:36:24 > 0:36:27because we're messing with big boys' air space at the moment.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31Having safely negotiated an international airport,
0:36:31 > 0:36:35Tim must now tackle landing in a dusty disused quarry
0:36:35 > 0:36:41- and the huge downdraft from Helimed 98 five rotor blades is not helping.- All clear.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43Yeah clear. All clear right rear.
0:36:43 > 0:36:44Got the dust cloud coming up.
0:36:44 > 0:36:51In motocross it's CCs and torque that matter and teenager Joshua Spinks has fallen off at high speed.
0:36:51 > 0:36:56He has landed on his neck and that's potentially very dangerous.
0:36:56 > 0:37:02This is Josh. He was coming into this corner at about 15... 20mph.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06He lost control of the back end and flipped off and landed on his head.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10Paramedics Lee Graham and Paul Bradbury know this track very well.
0:37:10 > 0:37:16There are events here every weekend and for youngsters not old enough to drive on the road,
0:37:16 > 0:37:21the draw of tackling 30 foot jumps at 40 mph attracts hundreds of bikers.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25Just feeling your calves, all right. How's that, does that feel normal?
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- That's fine.- Any different to normal at all?
0:37:28 > 0:37:33- No.- Do you want me to go and get his helmet?- If you would do.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38He's come off his bike at quite a relatively high speed
0:37:38 > 0:37:40apparently he's landed straight onto his head.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42We are trying to get his helmet to ascertain the damage
0:37:42 > 0:37:44and we can sort of work out
0:37:44 > 0:37:48what head injury or spinal injury he may have as a result of that.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52The nearest hospital that deals with spinal injuries is Sheffield Northern General -
0:37:52 > 0:37:55about five or six minutes flying time so we'll be bob him across there,
0:37:55 > 0:37:56that's the best place for him to be.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00Paramedics across the country are picking up more injured kids
0:38:00 > 0:38:05who get their thrills from high-octane sports like motocross.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07The team are so worried about Joshua's neck,
0:38:07 > 0:38:11they are going to fly him to a specialist spinal centre.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Thankfully they had got first aiders here who were straight on top of it
0:38:16 > 0:38:19when it happened and he's had the best possible care.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23He had the response guy here certainly within five minutes and we were here a couple of minutes later.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26So, he's had everything thrown at him,
0:38:26 > 0:38:29hence now we are on the way to Sheffield.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Joshua is a real petrol-head and if he wasn't in so much pain,
0:38:32 > 0:38:37a ride helicopter would be even better than his bike.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41Joshua's injuries weren't as serious as the team feared
0:38:41 > 0:38:43and he was soon released from hospital.
0:38:47 > 0:38:48And I am pleased to say all our young patients
0:38:48 > 0:38:51are now back on their feet and now raring to go once again.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Now, let's get back to the Yorkshire Wolds
0:38:53 > 0:38:55where the team are fighting the weather
0:38:55 > 0:39:00in a battle to save a seriously injured driver.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03Emergency services are dealing with the aftermath
0:39:03 > 0:39:06of a major road crash on a remote road over the Yorkshire Wolds -
0:39:06 > 0:39:10a range of hills between York and the east coast.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14Paramedics Pat and Sammy are treating Pavel Wolkowski,
0:39:14 > 0:39:18a Polish butcher with suspected spinal injuries.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25At last the Fire Brigade are getting nearer to Pavel but he is still trapped in his seat.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28No blood on chest and groin area - my hands are clean.
0:39:28 > 0:39:34Hydraulic rams are being used to force apart the crushed body work of Pavel's car.
0:39:34 > 0:39:40It's brute force that needs to be applied carefully if they are not to injure their patient further.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46Pat has noticed that Pavel's breathing is shallow on one side of his chest.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50Despite his car air bags protecting him, the impact may have punctured a lung.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54A surgical procedure here and now is the answer.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57We have got a silent chest on one side.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Are you able to do a chest drain? It's not ideal, is it?
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- No...- One, two, three...
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Brilliant, that, Sam.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Pavel is free at last.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15In less than 20 minutes, he will be in hospital, IF they can make it through the weather.
0:40:15 > 0:40:20Pilot Steve used all of his skills to get Helimed 99 to the scene.
0:40:20 > 0:40:26Now he faces battling the weather again to get Pavel back to hospital in York 20 miles away.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33Helimed 99... We have a 45-year-old male
0:40:33 > 0:40:38who has been trapped by the chest, abdomen, pelvis and legs.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41He has diminished breath tones to the right hand side of his chest.
0:40:41 > 0:40:48Heavy rain was a factor in the accident but the police are taking an interest in this crash.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52It could very easily have cost several people their lives.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57Helimed 99, just to let you know this patient is critical.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01We will give you a shout when we are two minutes out.
0:41:01 > 0:41:06The UK's strict air laws make no allowances for medical emergencies.
0:41:06 > 0:41:12If the cloud base is too low, Steve will have to land, regardless of Pavel's condition.
0:41:12 > 0:41:17The regulations are there to protect the lives of air ambulance crews and their patients.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20But it's a decision no-one will take lightly.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24With the steering wheel on his chest,
0:41:24 > 0:41:26we were unable to get any good observations on him
0:41:26 > 0:41:28until the fire brigade
0:41:28 > 0:41:32were able to take the dashboard and steering wheel off his chest.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34At the moment all his obs are fine.
0:41:34 > 0:41:40I'm having difficulty communicating with him as this gentleman has got limited English and he's Polish.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44Luckily, the mist lifts long enough for Helimed 99
0:41:44 > 0:41:47to slip through the few hundred feet of clear air
0:41:47 > 0:41:50between the cloud base and the rolling hills of the Wolds.
0:41:52 > 0:41:57Pavel is in a bad way, but intensive care is only minutes away.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Helimed 99, roger, we are now two minutes, two minutes out.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03York Hospital is a welcome sight.
0:42:03 > 0:42:10Pavel's broken English means Helimed 99's crew are still unable to pin down exactly what is injured.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12OK, Pavel.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17He later under went a full body scan which revealed he had broken three vertebrae.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21He's lucky to be alive, but he is recovering well.
0:42:21 > 0:42:28Sadly, Pavel's passenger - flown to hospital by the police - died a few days later.
0:42:28 > 0:42:33When Helicopter Heroes comes back, the team face a terrible dilemma.
0:42:33 > 0:42:38A trapped farm worker may lose his legs or his life.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41He's got his legs stuck in a screw and it's gone under a concrete slab.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45A drunk driver is badly injured.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48She's got a nasty leg injury and quite a nasty arm injury,
0:42:48 > 0:42:50so she's going to be in a lot of pain when we try to move her.
0:42:51 > 0:42:57Pilot Steve is in a tight spot as he attempts a dramatic landing.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01And a 999 call takes up a lot of time.
0:43:01 > 0:43:06The case of a tipsy teenager ties up 40 members of the emergency services.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:19 > 0:43:22E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk