Goathland Residents Air Ambulance Rescue on TV Tonight

Yorkshire Air Ambulance's role in Keith Thompson's life altering accident will feature on "Helicopter ER" tonight.

Goathland Resident Keith Thompson has expressed his "Profound Gratitude" to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance after a DIY mishap severed 7 tendons in his wrist.

Keith was in the midst of a DIY project at his daughter's home in the remote area of Sleights near Whitby when a serious accident occurred back in June 2021. While fitting a cooker hood above the hob, he slipped from his step ladder, severing his wrist on the sharp cooker hood and striking his head on the floor. This incident led to severe injuries, including a lacerated wrist, damage to major blood vessels and tendons, and significant blood loss. He also sustained a head injury during the fall.

Given Keith’s remote location, approximately an hour away from the nearest trauma centre, the situation was dire. Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s helicopter was quickly dispatched from its Nostell air base in Wakefield, flying 60 miles to reach Keith. On board were Sammy and Andy, the highly skilled HEMS Paramedics entrusted with Keith's life.

Upon arrival at the scene, Keith condition was critical, he was pale, clammy, and his vital signs were alarming, with a dangerously low blood pressure that posed a risk of shock. He was in excruciating pain, and his lacerated wrist had caused substantial bleeding.

The paramedics swiftly administered IV fluids to stabilise Keith's blood pressure. Recognising the gravity of the situation and the likely need for surgery, the medical team promptly decided that the best course of action was to transport him to the nearest trauma centre, James Cook University Hospital in Middlesborough, to minimise the risk of nerve damage.

Keith underwent emergency surgery on his wrist to repair the seven out of eleven tendons in his right hand that were extensively damaged. While the accident has left permanent effects on the use of his arm and hand, Keith maintains a resilient spirit. He continues to contribute to his local community centre, determined to adapt to his changed circumstances.

Reflecting on the life-saving intervention, Keith shared,

"I'm not one to be melodramatic, but with the amount of blood surrounding me, I could see my life slipping away right before my eyes; I knew I was in real jeopardy. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance team, alongside the dedicated local paramedics, played an utterly invaluable role in saving my life that day.

Although my hand won't regain its former function, I am immensely thankful for their presence and expertise. I have so many DIY projects I want to finish around my home, but, for the first time in my life, I will have to entrust them to others, which is a source of deep sorrow for someone like me who has never relied on others for this type of work before."

Also featured in the episode, set to air on Friday 13th of October, viewers will witness a serious motorbike pile-up near Malton, and a distressing incident in which an 87-year-old man on an electric bicycle was struck by a car, resulting in significant injuries.

Tonight's edition of Helicopter ER airs on the Quest channel at 9pm. Viewers can tune in on Freeview channel 12, Sky Channel 144, and Virgin channel 138. Additionally, the series is accessible on demand through Discovery+.

It's been a busy week for YAA on TV. On Wednesday the Yorkshire Air Ambulance played a pivotal role in the suspense-filled episode of Emmerdale. This special feature marked a significant collaboration between the popular ITV soap and the YAA, focussing on the essential work of the charity and the critical role air ambulances play in emergency medical situations.

In Tuesday’s episode of Emmerdale, Mackenzie Boyd, Charity Dingle, and Chloe Harris found themselves entangled in a brutal car crash as part of the show’s thrilling stunt week. The intense storyline, filled with suspense and drama, captivated viewers nationwide.

The episode portrayed a series of events that took a sinister turn when the car Chloe, Mackenzie and Charity are travelling in veers off the road after an unexpected van collision and left their car teetering on the edge of a cliff.  Viewers were left in suspense on Tuesday night wondering who Mackenzie saved after the car plummets to the bottom of the quarry with one passenger still inside.

Cue the surprise arrival of one of YAA’s iconic yellow helicopters in Wednesday’s episode elevating the authenticity of the storyline and the severity of the incident. The dramatic stunt sequence, encompassing multiple days of filming for the Emmerdale cast, intricately involved skilled stunt performers and visual effects to craft the gripping final shots. Yorkshire Air Ambulance contributed to the episode during a single day of filming in late August, taking place at a disused quarry at Denhome near Keighley.

There is more information about the Air Ambulance Charity at https://www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk/