0:00:03 > 0:00:06When the people of rural Yorkshire dial 999,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09help can be a long time coming.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12The Yorkshire Dales are as beautiful as they are big.
0:00:12 > 0:00:17But if you're seriously injured in a landscape as gigantic as this,
0:00:17 > 0:00:19your life is on the line.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23But in the remotest parts of Britain's biggest county
0:00:23 > 0:00:25they look to the skies for help.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29Look on your left. Can we get in that grass field on the left?
0:00:29 > 0:00:32From high drama in the Peaks
0:00:32 > 0:00:33to high waters in the Dales,
0:00:33 > 0:00:38the Helimed team's at the heart of almost every rescue.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Bringing 21st century medicine
0:00:41 > 0:00:44to some of Britain's most isolated communities
0:00:44 > 0:00:46and saving lives against the odds.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Today on Helicopter Heroes.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58The flood waters are rising -
0:00:58 > 0:01:01and a mother and two children are in deadly danger.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05We were picnicking and suddenly the river just increased in height.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08Move the crowds. Move back.
0:01:08 > 0:01:13High in the Dales a van driver is impaled in a freak accident.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15This part here, this metal,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19has gone right through his back here and out here.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Right, go for it.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24And in Whitby it's the end of the pier show -
0:01:24 > 0:01:27as the piano player is taken ill.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29The show must go on.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40Only 20,000 people live in the Yorkshire Dales.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44but every year nine million visitors flood these valleys.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48It means, in an emergency, local knowledge can be thin on the ground.
0:01:51 > 0:01:56When the sun shines in the Yorkshire Dales the locals will tell you only one thing is certain.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00That it's going to rain. And that's certainly been true today.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04A series of summer thunderstorms has deluged the Dales,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06and the rivers are rising.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11On the banks of the River Ure a major rescue operation is underway.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14The rising waters have caught out the Councell family.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17They were on a day out by the river when mum Sophie,
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Hattie aged eight, and six-year-old Georgie
0:02:20 > 0:02:23were marooned on a pile of driftwood.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28We've had heavy rainfall further up the dale. The river's become swollen
0:02:28 > 0:02:30and they've become trapped by flood water.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35Helimed 99 is about to join the rescue.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38The family's stranded in a wooden ravine.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40Pilot Andy Hall can't land here.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- Look at that little island bit there.- Yeah.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49I'm looking for a vehicle, to be honest with you.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51That's going to be the closest, isn't it?
0:02:51 > 0:02:54I've got two fire trucks down here as well now.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58They're coming down here, so I suggest we follow this river down.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01We're not going to be able to land down there anyhow.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06- But if we find out where these people are. See how fast that water's swelling?- It is quick.
0:03:07 > 0:03:13- Look below me. I can't -- There's a track. I'll land on this track here.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19They're trapped on an island. There's two kids and a mother.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21The water's fairly quick coming up.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- Our rescue teams are down there.- OK. - BURSTS OVER RADIO
0:03:25 > 0:03:28These woods are popular with local walkers.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33The Councells know them well, but few have seen the river rise like this.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37When we've had that heavy rain Monday morning, thunderstorms,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40we've had quite a lot since, and it was very dry.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44And it will come down off the moors quite fast.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48Paramedic Matt Syrat is trained in the dangers of fast-flowing water.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51He knows the family is in great danger.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56The rate of rise of the river is approximately ten centimetres per ten minutes,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- so it's rising very quick.- Yep.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- We're going to deploy a swift water rescue team across.- Yes.- OK.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07Sophie's keeping the kids cheerful and making light of
0:04:07 > 0:04:09their perilous situation.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11The children's father, Giles,
0:04:11 > 0:04:14almost drowned swimming to the bank to raise the alarm.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Now all he can do is watch and hope.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21We were picnicking. We had some food on the rocks.
0:04:21 > 0:04:26We were just coming back in and suddenly the river just increased in height.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30And we couldn't get back across.
0:04:30 > 0:04:36So I took myself across that, found somebody to come down and,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38rather than take the kids across there,
0:04:38 > 0:04:42I just didn't think it was safe to do that, so...
0:04:42 > 0:04:45An RAF rescue chopper is being scrambled from its base
0:04:45 > 0:04:48at Leconfield, 60 miles away.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52It's equipped with a winch that can pluck the family off the tiny island.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56They'll be winched out of this area. There's no way we can get close.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01I'm going to go back and highlight a safe landing area where the Sea King can relocate.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05If needs be, all three of them can be transported by land from there.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10This will be a tricky rescue.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14Overhanging trees are getting in the way, and the winchman must make sure
0:05:14 > 0:05:17he doesn't get the cable caught up in them.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- OVER RADIO - "When we fly away, release the cable."
0:05:22 > 0:05:24"We are committed at all times, Garry."
0:05:26 > 0:05:30"It's quite a jump. Garry and the survivors at the half-12.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33He's just briefing the survivors at the moment."
0:05:33 > 0:05:37The water's still rising. There's no time to waste.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40Winchman Garry Stewart must lift both children at once
0:05:40 > 0:05:43if he's to have time to rescue their mum.
0:05:43 > 0:05:49"The speed is good, and right. They're clear of the bushes now.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52The height's good. Reduce speed. Hover when you're happy.
0:05:52 > 0:05:59Go back five bites just for the remaining survivors.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02The height is good.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- Two... - All the way.
0:06:06 > 0:06:12..one. Height is good. Steady. Off the ground. Steady. Back two. Height good."
0:06:13 > 0:06:16The two girls are safe. Now it's time for Sophie.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19The water's lapping around her feet.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- "Are you ready for lift, Garry? - Garry's ready for lift. Roger.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Steady.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26Steady. Height is good. Steady.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Winching in and move back. Bring it back.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31Our two survivors on board are still happy.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Height's good. The tail's well clear."
0:06:35 > 0:06:39At last the family are safe and Giles can breathe again.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43It's a moment of relief for all the Emergency Services too.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47Right, guys, let's get back... for a well-earned drink.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51Everyone knows this rescue could've had a very different outcome
0:06:51 > 0:06:55thanks to the weather that was extreme even for the Dales.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00We decided to have a little paddle in the river and have a bit of a picnic in the river.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04I looked at my feet and realised the water was coming up very, very quickly.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06So we decided to get our stuff,
0:07:06 > 0:07:08which was in the middle of the river,
0:07:08 > 0:07:12and by the time we'd literally packed it up, within 30 seconds
0:07:12 > 0:07:15we turned round and there was just nowhere to go.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17It was so quick and so fast,
0:07:17 > 0:07:21and there was just no way that I could get the girls onto any steps,
0:07:21 > 0:07:25any stones, or just even get them to swim across. It was just too fast.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30My husband made the decision that he was going to swim across.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35And he went in but actually got taken down part of the river anyway,
0:07:35 > 0:07:37it was that quick and that strong.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40He got out and he was debated about whether to come back and get us.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42We just said no, it's too dangerous.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49It was really scary. I was worried that Georgie was going to fall
0:07:49 > 0:07:53straight through the things that were wrapping you tight.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57But thankfully we didn't. It was really scary.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01I was worried that Mummy wasn't going to be rescued,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04which was really, really scary.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08For Yorkshire's other helicopter heroes
0:08:08 > 0:08:12it's time to return to base. The crews of RAF Leconfield train
0:08:12 > 0:08:16to carry out rescues like today's, but it's a mission winchman Garry
0:08:16 > 0:08:18won't forget in a hurry.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22With the smallest one, perhaps four years old, I got her a rescue strop
0:08:22 > 0:08:26and I sat her on my hip, like I was carrying her through a town, if you like.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31And her sister was bigger so she would've been able to be fully supported by the strop,
0:08:31 > 0:08:35and it was hold on, I got her to hold on, give me a big hug, I'll give you a big hug,
0:08:35 > 0:08:39and held onto the little girl and the sister got a hug at the same time.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44Concentrating more strength on the little girl on the hip. I was winched 125ft up to the aircraft.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48It worked well. By the time we'd recovered mum and sat her next to them,
0:08:48 > 0:08:53pulling the blanket away from the kids and saying, "Look who we've got, this is your mum,"
0:08:53 > 0:08:55it was all big hugs and tears. It was nice.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59It was really nice to see that the kids were really happy.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07You need deep pockets to live in the Yorkshire Dales.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12A two-bedroom cottage will cost up to £400,000.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15A four-bedroom detached could cost you a million.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19Looking after well-healed residents keeps many local people in work.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24And one day this summer a freak accident left one of those workers
0:09:24 > 0:09:26fighting for his life.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- OVER RADIO - "I'm giving you an update.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36There's a pole embedded in our patient. He's impaled on the pole inside the vehicle."
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Have you got a doctor on this?
0:09:41 > 0:09:46"That's the next step. I'm thinking of mobilising 99 as well
0:09:46 > 0:09:49because one other patient is unconscious."
0:09:52 > 0:09:56We've had a head-on. Wet, slippery conditions.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58It hasn't rained heavily for a while
0:09:58 > 0:10:01so there's a build-up of debris, oil on the roads.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03People brake, can't stop, bang.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09Two vans have crashed and a landscape gardener is pinned in the wreckage
0:10:09 > 0:10:12by a sharpened steel rod thrown forward in the impact.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18Any sort of impalement, we need to leave the object in situ
0:10:18 > 0:10:23and have it removed under controlled conditions in hospital.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Removing it can cause all sorts of damage,
0:10:25 > 0:10:29it can cause further bleeding, it can cause further injuries,
0:10:29 > 0:10:33so wherever possible it needs to be left in situ.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37The accident's happened an hours drive from a major hospital
0:10:37 > 0:10:42- He said it's between Middleham and Leyburn, didn't he?- Yes, it is Middleham.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44We'll find it, don't worry.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50Wensleydale's part-time fire-fighters are trying to reach the drivers.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53The accident has blocked the main road through the dale.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- Where we going?- This one low left. 11 o'clock now.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03As you can see, this is quite a difficult rescue.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06We've got one casualty severely trapped in his vehicle
0:11:06 > 0:11:11who is showing signs of actually going downhill in terms of
0:11:11 > 0:11:15his condition, so we're having to make sure we keep our activity up
0:11:15 > 0:11:18and work simultaneously on both vehicles, with the priority being
0:11:18 > 0:11:21the gentleman who's been impaled in the red van here.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27Pete is joining local paramedics, who've been by gardener Steven's side
0:11:27 > 0:11:30since soon after the crash. He's badly hurt.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- All right, Colin, are you all right? I'm Pete. - HE GROANS
0:11:35 > 0:11:36Steven.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Two minutes, boss,
0:11:38 > 0:11:41and we'll be looking to see where we can move you.
0:11:41 > 0:11:47- Is that because you feel like your chest's squashed?- Yes.- All right. As soon as we can have a look here.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52This bar here,
0:11:54 > 0:11:58this piece of metal has gone right through his back here and out here.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00It's a through and through job.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05The patient's talking to us but obviously it's a difficult extraction
0:12:05 > 0:12:09because we have to handle this bar and get the angle grinder out, so...
0:12:12 > 0:12:15We've got two patients. One's impaled in this other car,
0:12:15 > 0:12:19this chap here I'm waiting to get a hand on from the paramedic.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23Because of the impalement we've got a doctor coming from a different service to help.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27It'll take while to get him out and will be a difficult distraction.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- You can see all the ambulances in the 11 o'clock.- Roger.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38Yorkshire's second Air Ambulance has been sent to join the rescue.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41On the ground, fire-fighters are planning Steven's release.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Plan A is clearly to chop a bit of the cab off
0:12:44 > 0:12:47and chop the bottom of the seat away.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Looking good on my left.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54The Helimed team's usual chopper has broken down
0:12:54 > 0:12:56so it's using a hired helicopter.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Paramedic Sammy Wills is about to join the rescue.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01DRILL WHIRS
0:13:01 > 0:13:04We can't be sure of how much he's bleeding
0:13:04 > 0:13:08so we need to maintain his blood pressure. We're drawing fluids up to do that.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11999 on the ground, over?
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Sammy will take over the care of delivery driver Mike Dudley.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20That pole is now up against the side of the van.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26He's moving out further than he was so this pole is pushed up against the side.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30The pole passed through the driver's seat before entering Steven's back.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Stabilising the patient so we can get him out,
0:13:32 > 0:13:35but obviously the object that's impaling him in there
0:13:35 > 0:13:40is going to need cutting before we can do that. We're in a very precarious position.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42We've almost extricated him,
0:13:42 > 0:13:47then we can only really fully examine the extent of his injuries once he's out.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Steven, keep still one minute.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54The team knows any movement could worsen Steve's injuries.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58We have another Air Ambulance on its way from Teesside.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02They have a doctor on board which will be beneficial for that patient.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05In fact, I can just hear him now just arriving.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09The plan is for the doctor to give Steven a large dose of the painkiller ketamine
0:14:09 > 0:14:11before trying to cut through the pole.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Meanwhile, Sammy's reached the other driver.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- Hello, sir. My name's Sammy, I'm one of the paramedics.- OK.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24- Take a deep breath for me. Good lad. Does that cause any extra pain?- No.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29No? Fantastic. When did you last have anything to eat or drink, Mike?
0:14:29 > 0:14:32At least delivery man Mike's air bag did its job.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35His injuries appear less serious.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39Just 2.5 to start him off with. Have you ever had morphine before, sir?
0:14:41 > 0:14:43The Fire Brigade has its own problems.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Its usual cutting equipment isn't up to the delicate task
0:14:46 > 0:14:48of cutting the pole.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52We've got angle grinders which we can use in these circumstances,
0:14:52 > 0:14:56but it's not ideal when you've got a casualty impaled on an iron bar.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59We're taking every step to make sure the casualty is kept safe
0:14:59 > 0:15:03and that we try and minimise any impact on the casualty.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07We've just giving him the drug. He's just putting it through the drip.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11The doctor's going to come and have a chat and see what the plan of action is from there
0:15:11 > 0:15:15as regards getting him out with minimum movement where that pole is.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- What's his name?- Steven.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21Steven, it's Matthew, a doctor. I'm going to have a feel down your spine.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25The Great North Air Ambulance's doctor will take over Steven's care.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28He's been given a drug to reduce internal bleeding.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36A large dose of ketamine will mean Steven won't feel or remember
0:15:36 > 0:15:38the operation to cut the pole.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41It's time to free their patient.
0:15:41 > 0:15:47I think he's going to pop in some ketamine in first so just hang fire.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49Right, go for it.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Steven's predicament would be serious on the doorstep
0:15:52 > 0:15:54of a big city trauma unit.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Out here in the Dales, his survival is still in real doubt.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06The unique landscape of the Dales was created by water
0:16:06 > 0:16:10carving its way through the soft rocks of these hills.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13Now, after millions of years,
0:16:13 > 0:16:17it's created a secret world deep beneath the countryside.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22Hundreds of miles of subterranean potholes honeycomb the Dales.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25And caving is a popular sport here.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Some passages stretch 20 miles or more.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33OK, our target's just a couple of K west of Kettlewell.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- It looks a bit on the hilly side. - It does.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38We've got ten miles to run.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42Today, paramedics Darren and Tony are off to one of the hilliest parts
0:16:42 > 0:16:44of the Yorkshire Dales.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- They're close are these contours here, aren't they?- Yep.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- I can't see a flat spot.- Oh, we'll find one, guys. Don't worry.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58We're now en route to Kettlewell,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01which is the Yorkshires Dales National Park.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06We've got somebody there that's fallen. Query, got a neck injury.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10They're miles from a main road and we're going to utilise the helicopter
0:17:10 > 0:17:14and what it's good at, and try to get as close to the casualty as we can as quick as we can.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17But first they've got to find him.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21I've got a walker on that path running parallel, out to the right.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24And that's proving difficult, both in the air and on the ground.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30Have you got any more information regarding whether this patient's
0:17:30 > 0:17:33down near the river or on the hillside, over?
0:17:33 > 0:17:39- "Negative."- Ah, hang on. We've got somebody with a marker panel here.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41I'm just going to come round to the left, guys.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Yeah, Roger. We think we've found the patient.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47We're just going to make an approach, try and land up.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49I'm not sure what the slope's gonna be like.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- Probably not the best. I tell you what, I'll drop you off.- Roger.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00And then maybe I'll find something a little bit flatter further down.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Now then, what's been happening?
0:18:04 > 0:18:08The patient's a soldier on an adventure training course.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- We've gone in, walked back out.- Yep.
0:18:10 > 0:18:1430 metres from the exit was about a two-foot step down that Ross missed.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18OK. So do you remember what you've done today?
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- Yeah.- You do? There are no blank areas in that?- No.- None.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25OK, so you just tell me now where's your pain?
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- The right side of my neck.- Right side.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32Unable to land on the steep hillside, pilot Chris and Tony
0:18:32 > 0:18:35can only wait for an update from Darren.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40- It's a cave.- I'm just wondering what they're doing in their onesies.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43Ross Parrott's a Physical Training Instructor for the army.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47And he'd almost finished a tough underground challenge when he fell.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51As part of the exercise we were leaving a cave with very little light,
0:18:51 > 0:18:56just some glow sticks, so we've got to communicate and guide each other through.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Ross was at the front, was heading off.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03And about 30 metres from the cave entrance he's seen daylight,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06and thought, "Yes, I've made it," and missed the step.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10He fell about two foot down a step, landed, rolled, and banged his head
0:19:10 > 0:19:12on the step opposite.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15You've had your bell rung. You might have been knocked out.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17We're not going to take any chances.
0:19:17 > 0:19:23Ross has managed to walk from where he fell, although he could still have done serious damage to his back.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25We're going to immobilise you.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28So my colleague here behind you is supporting your neck.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- What we're going to do is get you a collar.- Yes.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Then we're going to put you onto a board
0:19:33 > 0:19:35and take you off to hospital.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39One in four British soldiers comes from the North of England,
0:19:39 > 0:19:43and almost of all servicemen train in the Yorkshire Dales.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- Argh! Don't turn it that way.- I'm not. I'm keeping it still.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50I need to fasten it. I know it's uncomfortable and I'm sorry. It's got to go on.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55Ross, what we're going to do is lay you flat backwards, yeah?
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Then we're going to physically lift you up off the ground.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01Ross's colleagues are all medically trained.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03They know there's a risk he's injured his neck.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06Somebody want to come in and take his shoulder?
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Ready, steady, lift. Lift, guys.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15- Super.- Let's go straight down towards the helicopter.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- It's the smoothest bit, isn't it? - Left.- Yeah.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Yeah, and we'll move the ambulance.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25But Ross is young and fit. Darren's decided he doesn't need a flight
0:20:25 > 0:20:27to the trauma unit 30 miles away.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29He'll go by road to the local hospital instead.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- He's banged his head on this side. No C-spine.- Yep.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38Been knocked out for a couple of seconds, he thinks, but remembers everything.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43His injuries aren't life-threatening. He's mobilised over 1,000m to get to this point.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47He's obviously in some discomfort in his head and his neck area.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50Ultimately an X-ray will prove otherwise.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53But he's going to be transferred by ground ambulance
0:20:53 > 0:20:57to the nearest available emergency department, which will be Airedale.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01But first there's another team building challenge for his mates to overcome.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06We're coming to this gate section here.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Start feeding him forward. Don't try and climb over with him.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14- Have you got it?- Are you going to be OK here?
0:21:14 > 0:21:19- Keep going.- OK.- Keep feeding him, keep feeding him.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Have you got a piece?
0:21:21 > 0:21:28Some of us work in a gym, some of us take ATL. It's just about getting the lads doing something different.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32Right near the end, obviously, Ross had a slip. It happens, doesn't it?
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Everybody worked together and helped everybody, so we got him out.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39He's hungry and fed up.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42But he's all right, you know?
0:21:42 > 0:21:47They'd all come here for a challenge, but none expected their adventure day
0:21:47 > 0:21:51to end like this. Ross is on his way to the local A & E,
0:21:51 > 0:21:55but it's clear his rescue was made easier by the sort of teamwork
0:21:55 > 0:22:00they'd all come here to practice. It's been hard work.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04In this kind of weather, it's about 24, 26 degrees today, it's hot work
0:22:04 > 0:22:06and we're all rather warm.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10As you can see, I'm sweating like Batman in a roof full of Catwomen,
0:22:10 > 0:22:12so it's never going to be good.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17The good news is Ross's injuries are minor,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19and he's back in uniform and on duty a few days later.
0:22:25 > 0:22:26For the people who live here,
0:22:26 > 0:22:30the isolation of the Yorkshire Dales is what makes this place special,
0:22:30 > 0:22:33but for one of Wensleydale's residents,
0:22:33 > 0:22:37the distance to a major hospital could threaten his life.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41The road through Yorkshire's most famous dale is blocked.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45Steven, are you all right, mate? Do you know what happened to you?
0:22:45 > 0:22:48Fire-fighters are trying to cut through the steel pole
0:22:48 > 0:22:50trapping gardener Steven in his van.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54The freak accident left motorists
0:22:54 > 0:22:57who came across the wreckage badly shocked.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01He was crushed up against the steering wheel, and in his back, right-hand side,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04there was a bar sticking into his back,
0:23:04 > 0:23:09so obviously we didn't want to move any doors to injure him even more.
0:23:09 > 0:23:14And I was trying to reassure the gentleman, as he was regaining consciousness,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17trying not to get him to move because he had this bar in his back.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21The driver of the other van has now been freed.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Mike Dudley is now on his way
0:23:23 > 0:23:26to James Cook hospital in Middlesbrough.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Separated from the load in the back of his vehicle,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30his injuries are less serious.
0:23:33 > 0:23:3856-year-old male on a transit van, head-on impact,
0:23:38 > 0:23:40movement sensation of all four limbs.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43Chest is clear.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47For ten minutes fire-fighters have been using an angle grinder
0:23:47 > 0:23:50to sever the pole that impaled Steven.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55The Helimed team and a flying doctor are carefully monitoring his condition.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57The bar's through. It's free.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59Now, at last, it's time to move him.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04Now let's take him by his armpits, back onto the spinal board
0:24:04 > 0:24:06and get him out of there.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10But Steven's gardening boots are a problem.
0:24:11 > 0:24:16Can someone get this lower leg as we come out? We've got fractures.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19As soon as you take his weight I'll move his left leg,
0:24:19 > 0:24:21but if I move it he starts to slip down.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25The team knows the spike is millimetres from his spine and
0:24:25 > 0:24:27could be piercing internal organs.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29This must be done very carefully.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33Keep coming, keep coming, keep coming to me. Stop.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37Finally Steven is free. The other driver is already airborne.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41He'll be in hospital in 15 minutes.
0:24:42 > 0:24:47- Heading for James Cook.- OK, we've got you on this route.- Thank you.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56A foot-long section of the pole which he used to uproot trees
0:24:56 > 0:24:59is still embedded in Steven's back.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02It will remain there until surgeons can remove it.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Steven's been sedated.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Now flying doctor Matt Cheeseman plans to anaesthetise him
0:25:08 > 0:25:11here at the roadside.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Knock him under completely, then we'll breathe for him,
0:25:14 > 0:25:18put him on the ventilator, and then we'll fly him into hospital.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23We've got a good tailwind to get him to hospital so it shouldn't take too long.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27Only now can the team examine him properly for other injuries.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30We're just obviously, where his legs were trapped,
0:25:30 > 0:25:34we've got some lower fractures. It wasn't something that was a major concern
0:25:34 > 0:25:39while he was actually trapped. Now we've got him out and got a bit of spare time,
0:25:39 > 0:25:43the doctor's put him to sleep, we can evaluate any other injuries.
0:25:43 > 0:25:48Steven's chest was crushed in the impact. His lungs have collapsed.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52Now he's unconscious, Dr Matt makes incisions in the side of his chest
0:25:52 > 0:25:54to help him breathe.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58Not good injuries. There's a lot of trauma gone on there.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00He's got head injuries, chest injuries
0:26:00 > 0:26:05and this impalement to his abdomen. It's a triple whammy, really.
0:26:05 > 0:26:0930 miles away, the trauma team at James Cook hospital
0:26:09 > 0:26:13is already receiving the other victim of the smash.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Mike Dudley's van was fitted with airbags,
0:26:16 > 0:26:19and despite experiencing the same impact as Steven,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22he appears to be in much better shape.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- OK, ready, steady, slide.- Have you got the weight? Perfect.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32He's the first of two patients the Middlesbrough team are expecting.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35We did give them the option of splitting,
0:26:35 > 0:26:38but our gentleman doesn't appear severely injured at this time
0:26:38 > 0:26:40so they're happy to accept both.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48Back in the Dales, Steven is almost ready for takeoff.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54We should come clear shortly. We're giving them a hand with the RSI.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57They're about to transport to their aircraft.
0:26:57 > 0:27:02The Great North Air Ambulance doctor will be carefully monitoring him during his flight.
0:27:02 > 0:27:07Now he's in a position where he's ventilated, so he's at rest, really,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10so he'll be getting oxygenated fully,
0:27:10 > 0:27:13and once they get to hospital they'll be able to do all the tests
0:27:13 > 0:27:16without having the problems of him thrashing around
0:27:16 > 0:27:18or being in pain at all.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24It's always difficult with any impalement,
0:27:24 > 0:27:28but with the fire service, the ambulance crews that were here
0:27:28 > 0:27:31and our colleagues on Great North, although it was an awful event,
0:27:31 > 0:27:35it was done as quickly as it could have been done.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Obviously now he's off to hospital
0:27:38 > 0:27:42and hopefully he'll be in the right place to make a recovery.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46But we just don't know how far that pole was into his body
0:27:46 > 0:27:48or what damage it's caused him,
0:27:48 > 0:27:51so really, until he's had further tests, we've no idea.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58It's five hours since the smash, and back at their airbase in North Yorkshire,
0:27:58 > 0:28:01the paramedics are anxious for news of Steven.
0:28:01 > 0:28:07The problems we were having on the scene, maintaining blood pressure, were due to the fact he'd injured
0:28:07 > 0:28:11both his liver and spleen, which will bleed quite profusely when injured.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15He's in a stable condition as we speak.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18But also the sort of entry point of the bar going in
0:28:18 > 0:28:24had wedged between his lumber spine and also the pelvis,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27so I think it's been quite a grapple for them as well
0:28:27 > 0:28:29to actually remove that in theatre.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33The surgical removal of the spike is only the start of
0:28:33 > 0:28:36a series of operations Steven must endure
0:28:36 > 0:28:41if he's to return to the Dales. His condition remains critical.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48It's high summer, and a heatwave is bringing a touch of
0:28:48 > 0:28:51the Mediterranean to the Yorkshire coast,
0:28:51 > 0:28:53and thousands of day trippers are out enjoying it.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57Here in historic Whitby,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00a day at the seaside comes with a dash of history thrown in.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03After all, Captain Cook sailed from this harbour,
0:29:03 > 0:29:07and Dracula was washed up in a storm, or so the story has it.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15Afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another Tuesday shindig.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19Another bit of the town's heritage is alive and well.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23In the Royal Hall each afternoon it's strictly ballroom
0:29:23 > 0:29:25with keyboard wizard Ray Kirk.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35The flying paramedics have to be quick on their toes too,
0:29:35 > 0:29:39especially when there's a patient with a suspected heart attack.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43It sounds like a theatre or something on the seafront,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46which is unusual for us because it's quite a built-up area.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50The ambulance is over an hour away so that's why we've been deployed.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55It could be a heart attack. If it proves to be that we take him to the James Cook.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57In the pavilion, the music has stopped.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00Whitby's keyboard maestro has been taken ill.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07But Helimed 98 doesn't have the skies to itself today -
0:30:07 > 0:30:11and the local seagulls can weigh nearly two kilos.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13Birds. That impacted.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Anywhere nice? Just now, wasn't it?
0:30:20 > 0:30:22I think it was on the head.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Bird strikes can be catastrophic.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29But pilot Ian thinks it may only have been a swift.
0:30:29 > 0:30:35- Everybody happy?- Yeah.- We'll carry on. I'll have a look.
0:30:35 > 0:30:41Only when they land will they be able to check just how much damage this mid-air collision has caused.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45Can you just write on the flight plan 17:34, please?
0:30:45 > 0:30:48- 1,500 feet.- What, when you hit it? - Yeah.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52I thought that one was gonna go round us.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58It looks like where the start of the pier is.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02It's just to the left-hand side of that.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07Oh, ambulance responder. Low three o'clock, two o'clock,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10right on the seafront here.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12- Next to the crazy golf. - Next to the crazy golf.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16- Yes. Keep on the left-hand side, mate.- Thank you.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Passing through nine o'clock now.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22I've got a lamppost over on the right, in the centre of the field.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26The bird's hit a critical part of the chopper's rotor blades
0:31:26 > 0:31:28at 150 miles an hour.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31But amazingly it's caused little damage.
0:31:31 > 0:31:37After his mid-air scare, paramedic Graham is now free to examine his patient.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40The pain was down there and at the back.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42I couldn't tell whether it was the front.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- It came on while I was on stage playing music.- Right.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- And I was perched on the edge of the stool.- Extreme stage fright.
0:31:50 > 0:31:56Yeah, yeah. And it was so bad I nearly stopped, but I thought, "No, I've got to keep it going."
0:31:56 > 0:31:58How far away's the ambulance, mate?
0:31:59 > 0:32:03I was playing on stage for the dancers and
0:32:03 > 0:32:07I started to develop this pain. I tried to be professional.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12I didn't want to just come off so I kept it going.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15I was trying to clear my equipment off stage
0:32:15 > 0:32:18cos I have to move everything off,
0:32:18 > 0:32:22and it just got to a point where I just couldn't do it.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27I just couldn't stand. The pain was so bad I felt dizzy.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30At one stage I felt I didn't quite know where I was.
0:32:30 > 0:32:36Although it's painful, it seems Ray may be having trouble with kidney stones rather than his heart.
0:32:36 > 0:32:42He's not got chest pain, as we were led to believe initially. He's got renal pain, in his kidneys.
0:32:42 > 0:32:47He's got a history of kidney stones, so it sounds like he's had another stone that's passed through
0:32:47 > 0:32:50whilst he's been on stage. The ambulance is 20 minutes away,
0:32:50 > 0:32:54but he's stable enough to wait for it to take him to the local hospital,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57rather than us dragging him off to another hospital.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01But Graham's impressed with Ray's professionalism
0:33:01 > 0:33:05and his determination to finish his afternoon performance.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07The show must go on.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10So yeah, all great to him I suppose.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15Ray has no idea of the drama the Helimed team experienced
0:33:15 > 0:33:17responding to his 999 call.
0:33:20 > 0:33:25- They've had a bird strike.- Have they had a bird strike?- Today.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29Pilot Ian Mousette's happy Helimed 98 is safe to fly,
0:33:30 > 0:33:34so the team's heading back to base as its patient leaves for hospital.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42But it takes a lot to keep an old trouper like Ray off stage.
0:33:45 > 0:33:50One or two said, "Are you going back today?" I said, "Of course." There's no reason why not.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52So I'm here.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57They found it was a kidney stone trapped in the urinary channel.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02Excruciatingly painful but not necessarily life-threatening.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04I was given morphine and sent home.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08Apart from feeling a little frail since, I've been OK.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11A couple of tunes. I Got Rhythm and Shall We Dance?
0:34:13 > 0:34:16And now he's got a new plan to put his musical talents to good use.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22After last week, I intend to promote a charity gig
0:34:22 > 0:34:24in aid of the Air Ambulance.
0:34:27 > 0:34:32It won't pay for them putting that machine in the air last week I'm sure,
0:34:32 > 0:34:35but if makes a few hundred quid, give a little bit back for them.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Summer here in Yorkshire is country show season.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50The chance for locals to meet and compete.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Today it's the Kilnsey Show,
0:34:54 > 0:34:58said to be the biggest one-day agricultural show in the country.
0:35:00 > 0:35:06Around 15,000 people have descended on this small Dales village.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10They've got everything, from jam-making competitions
0:35:10 > 0:35:12to cross-country races across the fells.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17But for one young competitor in a riding competition
0:35:17 > 0:35:20it's ended badly - and she needs help from the Helimed team.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25We believe a nine-year-old girl
0:35:25 > 0:35:27has fallen from a horse and sustained a neck injury.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30This is an actual show, is it?
0:35:30 > 0:35:34- Yeah, the Kilnsey Show is on today. - Yeah.- It shows everything,
0:35:34 > 0:35:38- including cake stands, coffee.- Ah.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- Burgers.- Always thinking with your belly.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44No, I'm not. I'm thinking of the patient's needs.
0:35:44 > 0:35:50The thing with kiddies you've got to watch out for, they will compensate right up until the last minute
0:35:50 > 0:35:53and then maybe take a turn for the worse.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57- OVER RADIO - "There should be a landing I've prepared for you
0:35:57 > 0:36:02by the crag where the private ambulance is with its flashing lights on."
0:36:02 > 0:36:07Just be careful of them wires. I've got wires running parallel.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09I've got nothing in the field where they are.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15Hi, there. How are you doing? All right?
0:36:15 > 0:36:19She came off the horse on this field and was walked to us by a parent.
0:36:19 > 0:36:24Only when they got to us were they then complaining of upper C-spine.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28- Did anybody see her fall?- No. They said she landed on her side.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31This show site is huge.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33You grab that board, Sammy.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37And unfortunately the helicopter's landed at one end of the show
0:36:37 > 0:36:39while their patient is at the other.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43We've had reports that there's 19,000 expected at this today.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46It's the biggest one-day county show in the country.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51The plan is we're getting a lovely lift
0:36:51 > 0:36:53by this gentleman to the patient.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Unfortunately, due the number of animals and tents,
0:36:56 > 0:37:01we've landed in a field identified to remain safe for us and the crowd.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04And we're being taken to the casualty, who is on site.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11Hello. Are you all right?
0:37:11 > 0:37:15- She was riding her horse, it threw her off, but it threw her off to the side.- OK.
0:37:15 > 0:37:20When she landed she actually went on this side, and she said, you can feel a tiny bit of swelling,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23- she said she felt as though it felt like cracked.- OK.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27She was just doing a nice round of the jumps and she got to number five,
0:37:27 > 0:37:32and it was a water tray, and Richard, that's the pony,
0:37:32 > 0:37:36didn't like that water tray, and he stopped and she tumbled off.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Being able to talk to patients on their own level
0:37:39 > 0:37:41is a key skill for paramedics.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43Sarah, how are you doing? OK?
0:37:43 > 0:37:47Fortunately Matt has a daughter the same age as Sarah.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49Sarah, were you in a competition today?
0:37:50 > 0:37:52- Was that what you were doing?- Yeah.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Yeah?
0:37:54 > 0:37:57How does your neck feel? Can you tell me? Can you describe it?
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- Hurting.- Hurting? Just on which side? This side?- Yeah.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03Down this or down the back?
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Just down the side?
0:38:08 > 0:38:09With symptoms like this,
0:38:09 > 0:38:14there's real concern Sarah could've broken her back.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17We'll take you in our helicopter, we'll take you to hospital.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21- What I need to do is lay you down on a board. Is that OK?- Yes.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Stay relaxed, nice and still,
0:38:24 > 0:38:26we'll do all the work. All right? OK.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Ready, steady, lift.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33SHE GROANS
0:38:34 > 0:38:38- It's hurting.- Which bit, darling? - My left-hand side.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41- Which one? That side?- Yes.- All right.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45- A slight swelling just there.- OK. No problem.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48This valley's other claim to fame is
0:38:48 > 0:38:51that it's home to some of the best climbing in the Dales.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55And now the local Mountain Rescue team has turned out to help.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59Hey up, it's Matthew, one of the Air Ambulance paramedics.
0:38:59 > 0:39:04I've got a nine-year-old female that's fallen from a horse
0:39:04 > 0:39:07out in Grassington, so we're quite a way away.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12I'm just a bit concerned. She's fallen off the horse onto her side,
0:39:12 > 0:39:15and her head's hit the floor and they've heard a crack.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Nine-year-old female. Going to LGI.
0:39:19 > 0:39:24- Mummy's here.- Keep coming, keep coming. OK, lovely.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28It does get quite noisy but it's nothing to worry about.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31- I get scared of loud noises. - Loud noises, do you?
0:39:31 > 0:39:33These blocks should cover a lot of it.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36But, look, if you move your eyes, try not to move,
0:39:36 > 0:39:39- can you see my hand here?- Yes.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41That's where I'll be sat.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Sarah's mum knows all this is a precaution,
0:39:48 > 0:39:53but she's still worried about what they might find at hospital.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57It didn't particularly look a bad fall. It was quite slow motion really.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01But unfortunately she's landed on her neck. She did get back up OK
0:40:01 > 0:40:03and sat back on him.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07Within minutes the rural Dales have given way to urban Leeds
0:40:07 > 0:40:12and the city centre hospital where Sarah's now arrived to be checked out.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16The pain's got worse and so that's why we went to see the doctor
0:40:16 > 0:40:18and here we are.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21But here at the hospital there's good news.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23X-rays show her spine is intact
0:40:23 > 0:40:26and she's actually escaped with a few bruises.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30Sarah's keen now to get back on her pony,
0:40:30 > 0:40:32ready to compete at next year's show.
0:40:40 > 0:40:45Back in the Dales there's more good news for another of the Helimed team's patients.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49It's three months since gardener Steven Carr was impaled on an iron rod
0:40:49 > 0:40:51in a freak accident near the town of Middleham.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54Now, at last, he's home.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57A fractured wrist, a broken wrist,
0:40:58 > 0:41:01a broken knee and lower leg,
0:41:02 > 0:41:05a broken pelvis,
0:41:05 > 0:41:07fractures all down my left side.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10All my ribs were fractured down my left side.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Steven was on his way to work when the accident happened
0:41:13 > 0:41:16on a bend on the main road through Wensleydale.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19He was in intensive care for weeks.
0:41:20 > 0:41:25The metal bar that I use for getting tree roots out of the ground,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28and that actually came through the back of my seat
0:41:28 > 0:41:33and actually impaled me. It went straight through my back
0:41:33 > 0:41:35and it missed my spine by less than a millimetre.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Which was a serious injury.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44When Steven arrived in theatre at James Cook hospital,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47six inches of the rod was protruding from his back.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50It was up to surgeons to release it.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52Craig White was one of them.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55This is his hip joint and his pelvis.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58And this bar here was into his low back.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03We can get very excited about a metal bar cos you don't see if very often,
0:42:03 > 0:42:07but Steven actually had a major head injury, he had an injury to his chest.
0:42:07 > 0:42:12He had a major pelvic injury. He had three or four big long bone fractures as well.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15So his overall risk of not making it through this,
0:42:15 > 0:42:18even if he hadn't had the bar there,
0:42:18 > 0:42:20would have been significant in itself.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22Right, go for it. Grind away.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28Steven has few memories of the massive operation to release him,
0:42:28 > 0:42:32and he was unconscious for the whole of his flight to hospital,
0:42:32 > 0:42:36but he knows what was probably responsible for his survival.
0:42:36 > 0:42:41I really don't think I would've been here if it hadn't of been for the Air Ambulance
0:42:41 > 0:42:43and all the help that I received off them
0:42:43 > 0:42:46when the accident actually took place
0:42:46 > 0:42:49and the speed they actually got me to the hospital.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Because with living in a rural area like we do,
0:42:52 > 0:42:56I just can't thank them for what they did for me. It's quite amazing.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59Steven's been warned his recovery will be long,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02but in the racing town of Middleham where he lives,
0:43:02 > 0:43:07he's now well-known as the man who beat the odds to survive an accident
0:43:07 > 0:43:10that came within millimetres of killing him.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14And I'm pleased to say Steven's continuing to make a good recovery
0:43:14 > 0:43:17and plans to be back at work in the garden next spring.