0:00:02 > 0:00:06If you're seriously ill, or critically injured, up here,
0:00:06 > 0:00:08your life is in real danger.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Complaining of severe pain.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Mid-thirties, been ejected from a vehicle.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Hospital's an hour away by road
0:00:16 > 0:00:19and speed is the only thing that can save you.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Roger, Helimed 99's en route to you. Over.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25The Yorkshire Air Ambulance and its highly trained paramedics
0:00:25 > 0:00:27are scrambled a thousand times a year.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29Tell me exactly what's happened.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33A small child's been on the path and a wagon's run over him.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Many of its ex-military pilots flew the SAS into action.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39That's not a suitable landing site. This one here is.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43Welcome to the life and death world of the Helicopter Heroes.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05Today on Helicopter Heroes...
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Right. Where's sore?
0:01:07 > 0:01:11Paramedic James takes a risk to save a crane driver.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15He was face down in a drainage ditch in an upside-down digger.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19The team sees double after mountaineering twins call for help.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23He does have the potential to have a serious brain injury.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26A cyclist raising money for the air ambulance
0:01:26 > 0:01:28needs its help after a hit-and-run.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31He's got serious facial injuries.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34And a first aider helps save a motorist's life.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36There was just a plume of smoke, dust and all sorts.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45When an accident leaves someone in a dangerous situation,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48the men and women of the emergency services
0:01:48 > 0:01:49have to face the same hazards
0:01:49 > 0:01:52as the people they're trying to save.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55And sometimes the rescuers' lives are at greater risk
0:01:55 > 0:01:57than their patients'.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Yorkshire's farms are among the UK's most fertile
0:02:03 > 0:02:07and it's the soggy winters that help the crops grow.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09It means farmers spend much of autumn
0:02:09 > 0:02:11clearing out becks and drainage ditches
0:02:11 > 0:02:13to prepare for the rain to come.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17But on land just south of Doncaster, there are reports
0:02:17 > 0:02:18of a serious accident.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22Helimed 98 has scrambled from Sheffield.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26The map's grid reference points to a field a long way from any roads.
0:02:26 > 0:02:2898 pass your message, over.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32Someone's getting a machine so they're able to access the patient.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36He's obviously well away, across the field to get to.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39He also has an injury to his head and back. Over.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44How are we doing? What have we got?
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- He's got a cut head and... - Has he tipped it over?
0:02:47 > 0:02:51Farm worker Ged Smith was clearing a deep drainage ditch
0:02:51 > 0:02:53when his excavator toppled over.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Only mud is preventing it sinking further.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01Ged managed to phone some other farm workers who came to his aid
0:03:01 > 0:03:04and used another digger to reach his own.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07He's in a very precarious position.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- What've you been up to? - Doing a job when I'm tired, I think.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Paramedic James Vine knows he's taking a risk.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17But if he's to save his patient, he must join him on the toppled digger.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19Right, chief. Where's sore?
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- Right bad, here.- Is that where you've come down? No worries.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- Is your head sore?- No. Just cut me head on top here.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29No worries. What we're going to do is put a collar on your head...
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Ged managed to scramble out of the driver's seat.
0:03:32 > 0:03:33He has a head injury,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36but that's the least of his worries.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38People will often scramble their way out
0:03:38 > 0:03:42and you can assume that they're all right because they've got out
0:03:42 > 0:03:45of the initial incident but it's self-preservation.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48He was face down in a drainage ditch in an upside-down digger,
0:03:48 > 0:03:50'so your instinct is to get out.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53'It doesn't rule out that he's still got an injury.'
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Keep really still, while we get you out.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57They're not designed for comfort.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02Ged's mates feared the worst after he managed to ring them.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05I couldn't see the machine. I thought, "Christ, he's in the dyke!"
0:04:05 > 0:04:10When I got here, it was tipped over. Ged was on the cab and seemed OK.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12I asked if he wanted me to get him out and he said, no,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16cos he felt dizzy and he'd hurt his back. So we phoned your lads.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20The digger's unstable and everyone knows it could move at any minute.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25The muddy water Ged was dredging is easily enough to drown in.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30I thought, "How's he got there?" It's not looking good.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34But as I say, we just sort of... made sure he was OK
0:04:34 > 0:04:36and then rang for the ambulance.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Ged's head injury is obvious.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41But the force of impact when a 15-tonne digger
0:04:41 > 0:04:44tips over is immense.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48It's the potential spinal injury that's causing James to worry.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51We need to be careful with your neck and your back, OK?
0:04:51 > 0:04:53I know you're in the middle of a dyke, but there's no rush
0:04:53 > 0:04:55for us to get you out.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58Farm accidents claim up to 50 lives a year.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01And they've been on the increase.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- I can't believe all this, mate. - Don't worry, we'll get it sorted.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08They make them tough in South Yorkshire.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Ged even manages to share a joke with paramedic James.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- What's this for now? - This is for me, mate.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16It's in case I land in that wet stuff, behind us.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20James needs to come up with a plan.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23Come out here and we'll get long board onto here
0:05:23 > 0:05:27and then at least it's out here and we can...
0:05:27 > 0:05:28just get him to stand up and sit on it
0:05:28 > 0:05:32and then go back, and we can think about getting him out at that stage.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35But the dilemma now is how to get Ged back to the bank
0:05:35 > 0:05:38without damaging his spine any further.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53If you're a twin, you'll know there's a special bond
0:05:53 > 0:05:55with your brother or sister.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58But what happens if that special connection
0:05:58 > 0:06:00drives you into the same high-risk hobby?
0:06:00 > 0:06:04One day in the Peak District, two brothers found out.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11Identical twins, James and Joe Brownhill, share most things,
0:06:11 > 0:06:12including their love of climbing.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15They've tackled peaks all over the world.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18But one summer's day, their high-risk hobby
0:06:18 > 0:06:22put one of them in desperate need of an air ambulance.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Helimed 98, we've lifted, Sheffield, en route.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27MRT Edale are en route.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29Roger that.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31Sometimes, one of the most important things
0:06:31 > 0:06:34the Helimed team bring to their patients,
0:06:34 > 0:06:35is local knowledge.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38Today, Helimed 98's been scrambled from its Sheffield base
0:06:38 > 0:06:42to rescue a climber in the Derbyshire Peak District.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45Paramedic Lee Gray and flying doctor Jez Pinnell live in the area.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47My concern at the moment is
0:06:47 > 0:06:50he's got quite a lot of damage to his climbing helmet as well,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53so obviously that might be indicative of a head injury.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56With Jez being on board today, as well, it's really good.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58From an access viewpoint we can reach him,
0:06:58 > 0:07:03but also we've got Jez's anaesthetic skills as well, if required.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07It's an area paramedic Sammy Wills knows well.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11Stanage Edge is world famous. It's a beautiful place to go climbing.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13I can't imagine the thought that as he's fallen...
0:07:13 > 0:07:16It'll be a, "Oh, my goodness."
0:07:16 > 0:07:18At point of impact,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21if it has been his head, with his helmet being smashed,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24he might not be fully aware of what's happening anyway.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28This area attracts people looking for adventure.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31and the law of the air means pilot Andy Lister's
0:07:31 > 0:07:35responsible for staying out of the way of the local paragliders.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Whereabouts is the paraglider?
0:07:38 > 0:07:42Directly, sort of 5 o'clock from where we are now.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44There's a whole load of people down there.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Yeah, they've got wide arms pointing to us.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49You've got a large gathering of people now gesturing to us.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Can't see anyone gesturing.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53At the base of the rock face.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Oh, visual now. Quite a lot of people.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58They're 1,500 feet up in the Pennines
0:07:58 > 0:08:01and Stanage Edge is a tricky place to land.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05I don't think I'm going to get that close for you, unfortunately.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09That's all right. It'll be our exercise for the day.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12I'll just put it in this bit here, I think.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15That's what we usually do and then hike on up.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22Flying doctor Jez faces a tough climb to his patient.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24How far's he fallen?
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Hard to say. Looking at where the fall's come from,
0:08:26 > 0:08:29about 25 feet...onto rock.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Directly or with the rope breaking his fall?
0:08:32 > 0:08:33I think directly.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35James has fallen onto rocks.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37He's been lucky to survive the impact.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41His twin saw it happen.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44He went up again, decided he was tired and he was coming down.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46As he came down, his strength just went.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48On belay, I was watching him.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50I took in a bit and then, he just went.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52When he said he was going to go, it was mid-fall.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56I tried to step back, but by the time I'd done so and turned around,
0:08:56 > 0:09:00he'd hit the deck. Just on this big flat side of the triangular block.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04Luckily, a local GP was climbing the rock face when the accident happened
0:09:04 > 0:09:09and James has had trained medical help since he came round.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13I think most of the stinging and stuff is from the cuts and grazes.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16The back of your head and your right shoulder,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18I suspect that's hurting you.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- How's your breathing?- Fine.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23The twins have climbed together all over the world.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Last year, they tackled some peaks in South America,
0:09:26 > 0:09:29but James's accident is potentially very serious,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31even though it's pretty close to home.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35Of most concern is that he's been knocked out for a while,
0:09:35 > 0:09:38so he's obviously going to need to be monitored and scanned.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Dr Jez is reassured by the fact James is alert.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43But this is his second head injury
0:09:43 > 0:09:46and he can't rule out any brain damage.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51He urgently needs hospital care and a CT scan.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54He was a bit confused for 10, 15 minutes but he's fully with it now.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57He knows where he is... he's fully conscious,
0:09:57 > 0:10:00he's got no obvious, immediately life-threatening problem.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04Clearly, he does have the potential to have a serious brain injury still,
0:10:04 > 0:10:05so we'll get him off
0:10:05 > 0:10:07with mountain rescue,
0:10:07 > 0:10:08and once we're down the bottom,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11we'll fly him into the Northern General.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15But getting him off Stanage Edge isn't going to be easy.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19It's a long way down to the chopper and only manpower can carry him.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23The team need plenty of mountain rescue volunteers
0:10:23 > 0:10:25as quickly as possible.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36On average, we give nearly a pound a year, per person,
0:10:36 > 0:10:38to the local air ambulance.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42That cash keeps a network of life-saving choppers in the air.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45And at the bottom of many people's minds is the fact that one day
0:10:45 > 0:10:47they may need it themselves.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49For one fundraiser in North Yorkshire,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52that day came a lot sooner than he expected.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59The Yorkshire Dales are criss-crossed
0:10:59 > 0:11:02by a thousand miles of road, most of it single track,
0:11:02 > 0:11:05where wandering sheep are the biggest hazard.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07Cyclists love them.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09But these peaceful lanes are deceptive.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Every summer, there are serious accidents.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14And today's one of those days.
0:11:14 > 0:11:15Helimed 99's on its way to an incident
0:11:15 > 0:11:17near the market town of Masham.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20We've been tasked by a response that is on the scene.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22A cyclist's come off his bike.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24He's got severe face injuries.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28We've been requested because he believes it'll require surgery.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31The cyclist's badly hurt.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34The journey to a major hospital from some parts of the Dales
0:11:34 > 0:11:36can take more than an hour by road,
0:11:36 > 0:11:41which is why the Helimed team are a familiar sight around here.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44Hopefully, he'll be stabilised by whoever's on the scene
0:11:44 > 0:11:46and then we can get them to a unit
0:11:46 > 0:11:49that specialises in what this gentlemen needs.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51It's harvest time,
0:11:51 > 0:11:54with the combines working round the clock,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57which is good news for pilot Steve.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01There's a field of freshly cut stubble, right next to the incident.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- Is he in a bad way? - He's not drastic.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11His name's John Bleasdale, he's 46,
0:12:11 > 0:12:13doing a charity bike ride, and, apparently,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15got hit by a car - a hit-and-run.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18He's impacted the ground with his face.
0:12:18 > 0:12:19He's lost a couple of teeth.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21He can't close his jaw properly.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25John's charity cycle ride was actually raising money
0:12:25 > 0:12:26for the air ambulance.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28He's struggling to breathe.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30The gentleman has sustained
0:12:30 > 0:12:32quite significant facial injuries,
0:12:32 > 0:12:34and the concern here was his airway
0:12:34 > 0:12:36and...obviously the extent
0:12:36 > 0:12:38of the damage to his face.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41So, we obviously knew that he needed to go to plastics
0:12:41 > 0:12:44and we needed the airway to be secured and controlled.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48John's wife Theresa was following in a support car.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51She found him lying in the road.
0:12:51 > 0:12:52He was fighting for breath,
0:12:52 > 0:12:55a dangerous side effect of facial injuries.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57It inhibits your ability
0:12:57 > 0:12:59to breathe properly and can be detrimental,
0:12:59 > 0:13:02as well as the other things that people don't think about,
0:13:02 > 0:13:06they think about the breathing, but they don't think about head injuries
0:13:06 > 0:13:08and obviously neck injuries, as well.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11John, how's the pain at the moment, buddy?
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Can you score it out of 10?
0:13:15 > 0:13:16Ben to copy?
0:13:18 > 0:13:19Go ahead, Ben.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22We're just getting the patient on the trolley.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24Is everything ready with the aircraft?
0:13:24 > 0:13:26Once we're in, we'll have to move quite quickly.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Yes, we're all ready to go here.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31From here, the nearest hospital for these injuries
0:13:31 > 0:13:34is James Cook at Middlesbrough. It'll be about 10 minutes'
0:13:34 > 0:13:35flying time once we're airborne.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37Can you hear me?
0:13:37 > 0:13:39We've popped you on a stretcher,
0:13:39 > 0:13:43we're just going to put you onto the helicopter, OK?
0:13:43 > 0:13:44He's got serious facial injuries
0:13:44 > 0:13:47but nothing at the moment that we can't manage. It looks...
0:13:47 > 0:13:50it looks quite bad where it's torn his lip
0:13:50 > 0:13:51and around his mouth
0:13:51 > 0:13:55but...we've pre-warned the hospital
0:13:55 > 0:13:58and they'll be able to get him sorted quickly.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Half an hour ago, John was looking forward
0:14:01 > 0:14:05to collecting the proceeds of his charity ride.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09Now he'll take off in the chopper he was trying to raise money for.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14Flying direct to James Cook.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Currently heading of 040 just to the north...
0:14:17 > 0:14:22Paramedics Lee and Ben will carefully monitor John
0:14:22 > 0:14:24throughout the flight.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Maintaining a patient's airway and so his breathing,
0:14:26 > 0:14:29is always a paramedic's number one priority.
0:14:29 > 0:14:35We check for the oxygen levels that are currently in the blood.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38If they start to drop and if we become really concerned about them,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42then obviously we need to look for what is making that happen.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45That can be problems with breathing, problems with the airway,
0:14:45 > 0:14:49problems with the lungs, if they're not ventilating properly.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53As far as we're aware, he's almost certainly got fractures to his jaw,
0:14:53 > 0:14:54in possibly, multiple places.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58He hasn't had a helmet on. He's gone straight over, headfirst.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Many of his teeth are missing. And he's got large skin lacerations,
0:15:02 > 0:15:05which are causing obstructions inside his mouth.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08The James Cook Hospital, at Middlesbrough
0:15:08 > 0:15:10has a specialist maxillofacial department
0:15:10 > 0:15:14with the skills needed to rebuild John's face.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19Ahead of him is a long and painful few months -
0:15:19 > 0:15:21all because he took the wrong turn
0:15:21 > 0:15:24and came across a reckless driver on a country lane.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Within days, doctors begin work
0:15:30 > 0:15:33on rebuilding their patient's face.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35But even three months on, he still bears the scars
0:15:35 > 0:15:37physically and emotionally.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40The way I was, on me own, driver not stopping,
0:15:40 > 0:15:44I could have been left for any length of time before somebody else...
0:15:44 > 0:15:46or been left in the road
0:15:46 > 0:15:50for the next car to come along and run over me.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55So, I think it's quite despicable really, what they have done.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00It's hard to say I feel lucky because you keep thinking,
0:16:00 > 0:16:05"If only I hadn't taken the wrong turn and carried on with the riders,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08"I wouldn't be in this position,"
0:16:08 > 0:16:13but it's easy to see it could have been worse and in a way I am lucky.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16One day, John hopes to complete his ride
0:16:16 > 0:16:19and repay the cost of his flight.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22It's one of those ironic things.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26So, they asked which charity he'd like to put his fundraising to
0:16:26 > 0:16:32and he said the air ambulance - "I might need them later."
0:16:41 > 0:16:45Now let's return to the rescue operation launched to free
0:16:45 > 0:16:47a crane driver trapped in his cab.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50And it's about to become a lot more complicated.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Farm labourer Ged Smith was clearing a drainage ditch
0:16:55 > 0:17:02when his 15-tonne excavator toppled down the steep bank.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05He managed to crawl out of the cab before it sunk under the water.
0:17:05 > 0:17:06But he has a head injury
0:17:06 > 0:17:11and the Helimed paramedics fear he may have a serious spinal injury.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15It is all lower back, mate, by the sounds of it.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18Ged's mates rushed to his assistance
0:17:18 > 0:17:21but everyone knows the upturned digger
0:17:21 > 0:17:24is only being held in place by mud and gravity.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28If it topples, Ged and paramedic James are in real danger.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- That dyke is very deep.- How deep?
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- It will go over your waist. - What, with mud?- Yes.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38Guys, over the dyke.
0:17:38 > 0:17:39The fire brigade arrive
0:17:39 > 0:17:43but they are stuck the wrong side of the drainage ditch.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46The crew face a long walk with their kit.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- Anything?- No.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52Any delay means more pain for Ged.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Paramedic Pete's worried that he may have damaged his pelvis
0:17:55 > 0:17:57as well as his spine.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- Still OK? - Top of me leg, at this side.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- Any pain down your leg at all?- No.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- No discomfort around your tummy?- No.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08And treating Ged balanced on top of an upturned digger
0:18:08 > 0:18:10has it's problems.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13We're about 20 foot up here.
0:18:15 > 0:18:20Finally the fire crew arrive and paramedic James has the plan.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22If we can get a ladder down the bottom end.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24We'll put the board straight out.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28If someone holds the bottom end of the board as he's laid down
0:18:28 > 0:18:29so he doesn't go off the end.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33A ladder in the dyke up this way and someone holding the board.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37We'll go flat on to the board and get as many hands as we can
0:18:37 > 0:18:39and lift him in to the bucket. The easiest way.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42But it's all taking a long time
0:18:42 > 0:18:45and the pain and stress is getting to Ged.
0:18:45 > 0:18:46It's a worrying sign.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Pains in my chest, here.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50- You haven't had pain in your chest? - No, never.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52Nice steady breaths,
0:18:52 > 0:18:54we'll get it all sorted.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- I'm thinking about it. - We're going to get you sorted.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58GED WINCES
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Get me out. I'm panicking now.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03There's nowt to worry about. When I worry, you can worry.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06We're not going to let anything happen to you.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09No amount of fire brigade training
0:19:09 > 0:19:12could have prepared the team for this.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15It's unusual. We don't get these every day. Gets you thinking.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18A lot of it is thinking on your feet.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20You wonder what's happening.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25Until you get here you don't know what you're facing.
0:19:25 > 0:19:26GED GROANS
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- Well done, Ged, mate. - Oh, my back is killing!
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Ged has been the perfect patient.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35But when it is time for him to move,
0:19:35 > 0:19:39the seriousness of his injury becomes very obvious.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Are you ready? One, two, three, push!
0:19:41 > 0:19:43OK, OK, OK!
0:19:43 > 0:19:45And lifting 19 stone of farm labourer
0:19:45 > 0:19:46with a possible broken back,
0:19:46 > 0:19:50needs both strength and care.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52Just get us in position.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Hopefully we can get him out now
0:19:55 > 0:19:58and get him on the ambulance and away to hospital.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02And the final stage of Ged's bizarre rescue,
0:20:02 > 0:20:03from an upturned digger in a dyke...
0:20:03 > 0:20:08Everybody get a hand hold, cos I don't want it on that for longer than it needs to be.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10..to a ditch digger bucket on a telescopic arm.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13It's not glamorous, but it works.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17Can I have resus assessment, please, of a 51-year-old gentleman.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20He's a farmer who's turned a digger over into a ditch.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24We've took our time just extricating him there,
0:20:24 > 0:20:25just to be safe
0:20:25 > 0:20:28regarding his back, make sure we don't exacerbate any injuries.
0:20:28 > 0:20:33It has taken 20 people to get Ged out of his excavator
0:20:33 > 0:20:34and into Helimed 98.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- That right leg, is it still?- Yeah.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41You know the window over on the floor? I think you landed on that.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45For both the emergency services and Ged's farm colleagues,
0:20:45 > 0:20:50the relief of a job well done is tempered by concern for a workmate
0:20:50 > 0:20:54who might have broken his back and may never be able to work in these fields again.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Coming up...
0:21:05 > 0:21:06Ged arrives at hospital
0:21:06 > 0:21:10and the results of a body scan reveal his injuries.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12The news isn't good.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25Remember the twins involved in a serious fall in the Peak District?
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Let's get back to Stanage Edge, where Mountain Rescue teams
0:21:28 > 0:21:30are about to start the long trek to the helicopter.
0:21:34 > 0:21:40Climber James Brownhill needs urgent hospital treatment.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43He was climbing with his identical twin, Joe,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46when equipment securing him to a 25-foot-high rock face
0:21:46 > 0:21:47came loose and he fell.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Fellow climbers came to the rescue.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56Fortunately, me and the guy with him had basic first aid
0:21:56 > 0:21:59and we were pretty relieved we had it.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Lots of people came to help and started shouting and,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07fortunately, there was a doctor from Mountain Rescue just climbing next to us,
0:22:07 > 0:22:11so that was very relieving when he turned up, cos he knew exactly what to do,
0:22:11 > 0:22:13rather than just an inkling of what to do.
0:22:13 > 0:22:14OK. You just tell me.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17Joe is concerned about his brother's condition,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19but all climbers live with the risks of their sport.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- There. OK.- There you go.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Back here, then, James. You're doing well.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Flying doctor Jez Pinnell knows the journey down from the edge
0:22:29 > 0:22:32to Helimed 98 isn't going to be easy.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38But Mountain Rescue and local climbers have turned out in force.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42We will take his helmet so the doctor at the hospital can assess
0:22:42 > 0:22:45the point of impact and any damage.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47They're designed to take a good, substantial wallop.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50The fact that the outer shell looks all intact
0:22:50 > 0:22:53doesn't tell the full story, cos of the polystyrene inside.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55He's had a significant impact.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00Mountain Rescue teams were called to this spot 50 times last year,
0:23:00 > 0:23:04and they know the route down for patients can be treacherous.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08They've built a specially adapted all-terrain stretcher
0:23:08 > 0:23:11to make it as safe and comfortable as possible.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- Are you warm enough?- Fine, cheers.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16James will soon be on his way to the brain scanner
0:23:16 > 0:23:20at Sheffield's Northern General Hospital.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22His brother is going to be following in a car,
0:23:22 > 0:23:24knowing that James is in good hands,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28but worried that his twin might have a serious head injury.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34James was kept in hospital overnight.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36The cuts on his head were stitched up
0:23:36 > 0:23:39and he was thoroughly assessed for any brain injury.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Amazingly, the next day, he was allowed home.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48For Joe, the twin that didn't fall,
0:23:48 > 0:23:52his brother's accident has been very significant.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55Hello, everyone. I'm president of the Rockclimbing Club.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59The point of this is just basically to highlight the importance of first aid.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05He's now lecturing other students on basic first aid, with good reason.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10If not for his first aid skills, his brother could have died.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Landed right on his shoulder and neck like this.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18As he hit, he went upside down slightly.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20That was when he looked at me and then he just lolled
0:24:20 > 0:24:23and went back and that's when I thought he was dead.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30A few months later and Joe and James are reunited on the rock face,
0:24:30 > 0:24:33with first aider Joe at the bottom,
0:24:33 > 0:24:36and the fully-recovered James at the top.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39My injury was mainly a cut to the head
0:24:39 > 0:24:43and quite a lot of lost blood, which required 13 stitches.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47It was quite a big gash on my head but it was the helmet that broke,
0:24:47 > 0:24:49so if I hadn't been wearing a helmet
0:24:49 > 0:24:52it would have been a different story. I would've, erm...
0:24:52 > 0:24:56well, I might not be here, because my helmet was pretty damaged.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58James, the twin that fell,
0:24:58 > 0:25:02has had little trouble getting back into climbing.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05The same, however, isn't true of his brother.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06'It has taken Joe a lot longer than me,'
0:25:06 > 0:25:10cos, for me, it was a ride in a helicopter.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12I don't remember a lot about it.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16Back of your head and right shoulder, I suspect...
0:25:16 > 0:25:22Joe had to see his brother compromise his airway, clear his airway,
0:25:22 > 0:25:26be unconscious, and then be airlifted away with a bad head injury.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Seeing that is a hell of a lot worse than experiencing it.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33It gave up there, that's why he came down and landed just here.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35'I thought he was going to get up and then he didn't.
0:25:35 > 0:25:42'It clearly wasn't normal, any of it. So it just sort of kicked me into action.'
0:25:42 > 0:25:48I went into my bossy thing and shouted at a lot of people
0:25:48 > 0:25:54and just got organised, because they realised how serious it was.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56All right, mate.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00The twins are going to continue climbing together,
0:26:00 > 0:26:03each brother's safety in the other's hands.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08It's a relationship based on trust and for these two,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11it should hopefully keep them safe on the rock face.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Now, going on a first aid course is a great idea.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Since I learnt some basic medical skills in the police,
0:26:25 > 0:26:27I've had to use that knowledge several times
0:26:27 > 0:26:29and it's usually when you least expect it.
0:26:29 > 0:26:34But an ordinary person with a little know-how can often work miracles.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40On the M1 in South Yorkshire, a sports car has left the motorway.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44It's gone over three fields before ending up in a ditch.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47'There's about four calls come in on this.
0:26:47 > 0:26:53'We now have two more saying between 31 and 30, Aston and Rotherham.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56'Car into a field. Just follow the M1 till you find it
0:26:56 > 0:27:00'and let me know when you find it, please. Over.'
0:27:04 > 0:27:09With paramedic Colin Jones volunteering as a senior trainer
0:27:09 > 0:27:12for the St John Ambulance in his spare time, he knows only too well
0:27:12 > 0:27:16the difference those who get to an accident first can make.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19What about your legs? Can you move your legs? Fantastic.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23And luckily for this 40-year-old woman from Sheffield,
0:27:23 > 0:27:26the first man who came to help her was Brian Gray.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Wobbled a bit, lost it, then shot into the field.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32She were behind you, then all of a sudden, she's in lane one?
0:27:32 > 0:27:37He's a scout leader, who'd just done a first aid course.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39There was a plume of smoke, dust and all sorts
0:27:39 > 0:27:41and we saw the fence disappear.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43So I pulled over and jumped over the fence -
0:27:43 > 0:27:46vaulted it, actually - and came down here.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48We thought it would go on fire
0:27:48 > 0:27:51cos there was a lot of oil and smoke from the front of the vehicle.
0:27:51 > 0:27:57You don't know what you're doing, in a situation like this. You see it on TV all the time and then...
0:27:57 > 0:28:00I've just about calmed down now, I think!
0:28:00 > 0:28:04Even before the emergency services arrived, Brian,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07along with two other drivers, helped to support her head,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10made her car safe, and kept her calm -
0:28:10 > 0:28:12three things which make a huge difference.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16I've got friends in the emergency services and they both say things kick in.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20And it did. I must admit, it did kick in.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22Running down the hill, I didn't know what to expect.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26When it came to it, I think I just went into, er...
0:28:28 > 0:28:30..first aid mode, let's say.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33I get my badge for that one now!
0:28:33 > 0:28:39- Can you feel me touching your hair? - Yeah.- Is that hurting?- Yeah. - Can you bend your elbow?
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Before she's taken from the car,
0:28:41 > 0:28:44Colin wants to do some medical checks.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49She has a few missing teeth at the front, a laceration on her arm.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53We're going to go for a standard extrication - long board down the back,
0:28:53 > 0:28:58straight up the board, as soon as she counterbalances, tilt her over,
0:28:58 > 0:29:02making sure her legs are clear and then a standard extrication.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04Ready, steady, slide.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07She has a head injury, so it's hard to assess.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11We'll treat her for the worst and fly her to Northern General.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Guys, toes first!
0:29:14 > 0:29:19At this incident, there were more than 20 people from the emergency services.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21Each have their own crucial role.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24But Colin's well aware that the most important
0:29:24 > 0:29:27is often the person who gets there first.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31And that's why, on his days off, Colin volunteers with the St John Ambulance.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38Today, he's at the University of Leeds, leading a first aid course
0:29:38 > 0:29:42for students who run outdoor activities.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Thanks for coming along.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48It is a fact that about 150,000 people in this country could survive
0:29:48 > 0:29:51if somebody knew a little bit of first aid.
0:29:51 > 0:29:52So many people die needlessly.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58'Everybody should learn it. It should be taught in schools, I think.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02'If they start of early, the earlier the better. It becomes common sense.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05'Most first aid is common sense.'
0:30:05 > 0:30:08There is no excuse, everybody should know a little bit about first aid.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12When your sports and hobbies take you off the beaten track,
0:30:12 > 0:30:16you're often miles from professional help should things go wrong.
0:30:16 > 0:30:20And it's at times like these when good first aid is critical.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27On the moors above Sheffield, an off-road biker is in trouble.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Gary Sorsby has come off his trial bike
0:30:30 > 0:30:33and has been knocked unconscious.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36I was behind him and he hit the rocks over there.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39The back end came up and the bike somersaulted.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43He was on his head and was out cold for probably two minutes.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48The crew of Helimed 98 have been sent to try to find him.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51The path is going left to right, sort of coming towards us.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- That's where the bobby said he was? - Yeah, on this path here.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58It's over a mile from the nearest road,
0:30:58 > 0:31:02but two police officers have managed to run to their patient,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04along with a volunteer first aid team
0:31:04 > 0:31:06who've already been helping Gary.
0:31:06 > 0:31:0898, we're overhead the vicinity.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11We'll have a look round, see if we can locate the patient.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- He's on nose I think here. - On the right there.
0:31:16 > 0:31:17Straight on nose.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- Can you see a gathering of people in fluorescent jackets?- Yeah, yeah.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- Can we not get in that next field? - It's very deep, that heather.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- All right, go here then, mate. - I'll put it here and have a look.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31We can always reposition if required.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35What caused the incident, can you remember what caused it?
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- I've no idea.- No? All right, then.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40Are you normally pretty good on the bike?
0:31:40 > 0:31:44- Or do you tend to fall off a lot? - Ask Fred.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47- Why?- Cos he'll tell you.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- What, whether you're any good or not? - Yeah.- Right.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53It's clear Gary's got some good mates.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Apparently, he hit that.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58Graham was right behind him when he came off,
0:31:58 > 0:32:00and straight away, he knew what to do.
0:32:00 > 0:32:01We do first aid anyway
0:32:01 > 0:32:04so we knew to put him in the recovery position,
0:32:04 > 0:32:08make sure his airways were clear and make sure he stayed still.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Then after two minutes, he finally came round
0:32:10 > 0:32:12and was making some gurgling noises.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14Tried to keep him still, and we rung for the ambulance
0:32:14 > 0:32:17and made sure we got him some medical help.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20Your legs, can we straighten them out, nice and steady?
0:32:20 > 0:32:24- Can you move the those yourself? - Yeah. Hurts a bit.- You can?
0:32:24 > 0:32:27Pete suspects Gary's broken his collar bone,
0:32:27 > 0:32:30and his shaking is a sign of hypothermia.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32Can we tuck that jacket just underneath him,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35so when we're all out, we can get the other side out?
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- Any shortness of breath at all?- No.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40We'll get you warmed up in a bit, all right?
0:32:40 > 0:32:44The St John Ambulance volunteers had been in the area for a running event.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48They never expected it would be a biker needing their treatment.
0:32:48 > 0:32:49One of the bikers
0:32:49 > 0:32:52came down and said, "Is there any chance you could see us?"
0:32:52 > 0:32:54I was told it was only a mile up the road,
0:32:54 > 0:32:56but a bit further on the walking.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58When we got to him, we found that he'd been unconscious
0:32:58 > 0:33:00and started with the basic stuff, really.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Let's see if we can get this arm out before we do it.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Bend this arm for me. Bend your left arm.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10Pete knows they need to get Gary out of the freezing wind quickly.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12But they also need to be careful.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14He could have back or neck injuries.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Put your hands on your tummy for us again now.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20When you say you felt something go there, that right shoulder? Yeah.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23And move again, yeah? One, two, three - move.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27A few loose rocks as we come down.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30He's obviously got a shoulder injury.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32He's got pain around his scapula and his clavicle,
0:33:32 > 0:33:36which, when people fall off bikes, it's quite often an injury they'll get.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39He's also been unconscious, which is a bigger worry.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42It's took a severe bang to his head to knock him unconscious.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45That will be checked over in A&E and hopefully cleared.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Gary will soon be getting advanced medical care in hospital,
0:33:50 > 0:33:53but it's clear that's only been made possible
0:33:53 > 0:33:56by the quick-thinking first aiders who helped him out
0:33:56 > 0:33:58in those crucial minutes straight after his crash.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02Sometimes you go through an event where nothing really happens,
0:34:02 > 0:34:07and then to come here and an air ambulance be involved as well, so it's a bit different.
0:34:09 > 0:34:14Back at the University of Leeds, Colin is working with the next generation of first aiders.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17They want to learn how to help if someone in their team suffers an accident
0:34:17 > 0:34:20or becomes ill during an outdoor expedition.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23Often this means putting the casualty into the recovery position.
0:34:23 > 0:34:28'A simple thing like opening the airway, checking for a response, putting two fingers on the chin,'
0:34:28 > 0:34:31lifting the head back like that and checking the breathing.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34That could save so many lives per year. It's very simple to do.
0:34:34 > 0:34:39But you don't need to be critically ill to need the help of a first aider.
0:34:39 > 0:34:44A fractured limb in a remote location can become just as serious.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48Over 9 million visitors take time out in the Yorkshire Dales every year.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51That's ten times the population of Leeds.
0:34:51 > 0:34:56But, up here, there's no handy casualty department if things go wrong.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Helimed 99 is flying out to Great Whernside.
0:35:01 > 0:35:07It's one of the higher peaks in the Dales, is Great Whernside.
0:35:07 > 0:35:13We don't know if it's on the summit of the hill or down on a path on the way up.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15It could be fairly steep up there.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19And rough terrain has certainly caught out Maria Todd.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23With a broken ankle, she's trapped on the hillside.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27Fortunately, she and her walking buddies had just been on a first aid course
0:35:27 > 0:35:32and knew exactly what to do before professional help arrived.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35Is that them below us now?
0:35:35 > 0:35:40From the air, you can see why Maria's friends' basic medical skills were so useful.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42She's on the path down there.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46The nearest road ambulance has had to park up several miles away.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51We've got a visual, we'll be landing shortly.
0:35:51 > 0:35:56- 'There's a couple of small rocks that you can put her down on.' - Is that down?
0:35:56 > 0:35:57It's OK on my side.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03Maria's friends have done a good job, keeping her warm and comfortable.
0:36:03 > 0:36:09- Hiya, my name's Glen. I understand you've had a bit of a tumble.- Yes.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13- Have you gone over on your ankle like that?- No, it went...
0:36:13 > 0:36:14straight under.
0:36:14 > 0:36:19She's on a day trip with a fell-walking club from near Durham.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22He slipped first and he said, "Be careful, it's slippy."
0:36:22 > 0:36:27Then she just went, but she fell down the side as well.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Ooh, yeah. You've got quite a big swelling there.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33OK. I'm going to treat it as if you've fractured it.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35It's not guaranteed to be fractured but it's likely.
0:36:35 > 0:36:40Regular fell walkers know that an accident is always a possibilty.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43Maria and her friend Sheila have just helped themselves
0:36:43 > 0:36:47by getting some very useful extra knowledge.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49They've just done a leadership course,
0:36:49 > 0:36:54and they've done their first aid, so they know what AVPU means,
0:36:54 > 0:36:57but whether they can put it into practice, I don't know.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01To help with the pain, Glen gives his patient some Entonox.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04What you're having now is gas and air. It can make you feel a bit giggly.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07It really helps with the pain but it doesn't last long
0:37:07 > 0:37:12so if you start to feel a bit woozy with it, as soon as you stop taking it those effects will wear off.
0:37:12 > 0:37:17It doesn't take long before the side-effects kick in.
0:37:17 > 0:37:18THEY LAUGH
0:37:18 > 0:37:20I take it it's good stuff then!
0:37:20 > 0:37:23I tell you! I think I'm getting the effects!
0:37:23 > 0:37:26She seems to be doing really well now she's on the Entonox.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29I think her friend's a bit of a catalyst for humour,
0:37:29 > 0:37:33and I always think laughter's the best medicine, so she's doing quite well.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37- She's a little bit... - We wanted to be on Bargain Hunt!
0:37:37 > 0:37:40I think you can make your own mind up here, can't you!
0:37:40 > 0:37:46- Wanted to be on Bargain Hunt? - We got rejected, didn't we?- We did.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50The laughter soon turns to tears.
0:37:50 > 0:37:55Despite having morphine to kill the pain, Maria's getting increasingly uncomfortable.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Glen works quickly.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01Mountain Rescue have arrived to help out.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05Without these volunteers, the Helimed crew would struggle
0:38:05 > 0:38:08to get Maria up to the chopper on top of the hill.
0:38:08 > 0:38:09She probably thinks,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12"All I've got is a fractured ankle and look at all this fuss."
0:38:12 > 0:38:14If you think about it, there's no other solution.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16She won't walk down the hill and it's getting cold
0:38:16 > 0:38:21so, potentially, if they didn't have services like this, she could die out here.
0:38:23 > 0:38:28Pretty soon, Maria is on her way from Great Whernside to Harrogate Hospital.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32She and her friend Sheila knew that one day the first aid course
0:38:32 > 0:38:35they've just completed would be useful.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39They just didn't think that day would be today.
0:38:43 > 0:38:47The first aiders who became heroes themselves there.
0:38:47 > 0:38:53Now let's find out about the digger driver who became trapped in his cab after a dramatic accident.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58Listen, there's nowt to worry about. When I start worrying, you can worry. We'll get you out nice and steady.
0:38:58 > 0:39:04Farm worker Ged Smith managed to scramble out of the sinking cab of his 15-tonne excavator.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08Firefighters and farm workers used a combination of ladders,
0:39:08 > 0:39:12muscle power and heavy machinery to rescue Ged.
0:39:14 > 0:39:19Now he's on his way to Sheffield's Northern General Hospital and the waiting consultants.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25Ged had never had an accident before in his working life,
0:39:25 > 0:39:29but he made up for it with this one. His list of injuries is extensive.
0:39:31 > 0:39:36I cut my head open really bad at the back. I had to have that glued.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Badly bruised all the way down my side.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41I broke my pelvis in two places.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43I've done two discs on my back.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50And apart from that, I don't think there isn't anything else that doesn't hurt with a bruise.
0:39:51 > 0:39:56He's driven tractors and heavy agricultural machinery all his working life
0:39:56 > 0:40:01and has had plenty of time to go over what led up to his accident.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04I'd got to the end of the day, stopped to have a drink of tea.
0:40:04 > 0:40:09The next thing I remember is just rolling backwards and ending upside-down in the digger.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13I knew I was hurt. I knew it was bad.
0:40:13 > 0:40:21When I looked back, my phone was in the cab. I phoned the farmer, the farmer come,
0:40:21 > 0:40:23and rung, you know...
0:40:25 > 0:40:28..whoever I had to get hold of straight away, the services,
0:40:28 > 0:40:30cos they knew I was really hurt.
0:40:30 > 0:40:35- I can't believe all this, mate, honestly.- Don't worry, pal. We'll get it sorted.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37He knows he was lucky to survive.
0:40:37 > 0:40:42The good thing is, it landed with the cab facing upwards, rather than downwards.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45If the cab had gone downwards...
0:40:46 > 0:40:48..I don't think I'd have been here today.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52It's cos I'm thinking about it, in't it?
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- Course it is. We're going to get you sorted.- Oh!
0:40:55 > 0:40:58But one person in particular sticks in Ged's mind -
0:40:58 > 0:41:00paramedic James Vine,
0:41:00 > 0:41:04who kept him calm during his ordeal, with humour and comforting words.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- He's a big lad. - I can't swim.- Can you not?
0:41:08 > 0:41:12- You won't when we strap you to this board, anyway!- You'll float, though.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15He turned round and said,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18"I don't know who's more frightened, me or you.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20"But obviously you're in pain, and I'm not."
0:41:20 > 0:41:24Take a nice, big, deep breath in. Does that change the pain?
0:41:24 > 0:41:26No, but I'm getting really agitated.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29I know. I'll get you out nice and steady. Nowt to worry about.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32He said, "I am going to get you out of here". Brilliant.
0:41:32 > 0:41:37He was a good character and a good paramedic, he was.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39Brilliant.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43OK, keep going. We're going to lay him on the grass, where it's flat.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45'I just don't know how to thank everybody
0:41:45 > 0:41:49'who's actually done the job for me.'
0:41:49 > 0:41:54My wife, paramedics, everybody who stood by me.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56My five children.
0:41:56 > 0:42:01And ten grandchildren, who helped me back like this.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05And the Air Ambulance has one very big supporter.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11I have never been involved in it in my life.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14It is the bestest thing I could ever think of.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17You'll be glad to hear Gerald has now fully recovered
0:42:17 > 0:42:20and is back at the controls of his digger.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23But I'm afraid I have some sad news about the Brownhill twins,
0:42:23 > 0:42:26the climbers whose case we brought you earlier.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29James recently had another climbing accident,
0:42:29 > 0:42:33and suffered fatal injuries.
0:42:33 > 0:42:34His family say it's helped them,
0:42:34 > 0:42:37knowing he died doing something that he loved,
0:42:37 > 0:42:39and have set up a trust in his memory.
0:42:39 > 0:42:40They wanted us to show his story
0:42:40 > 0:42:43as a tribute to a much-loved son and brother.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:42:57 > 0:43:00E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk