Ards man’s appeal for air ambulance after horrific accident
SAM Courtney has no memory of the accident which profoundly changed his life.
Driving to work in September 2021 he was involved in a single-car collision on a country road which left him with severe injuries. His car hit a water pump and crashed into a tree between his home town of Newtownards and Bangor.
Off duty firefighters provided the vital initial care to Sam but it was the arrival of the air ambulance which was the difference between life and death.
In a bid to raise the profile of this vital aerial lifeline, which is entirely funded by voluntary contributions, Sam has shared his remarkable story of survival and recovery and his desire to be able to one day walk his young daughter down the aisle.
To this day Sam has no idea what caused the accident that was to have such a profound impact upon his life.
The first responders to the scene were off-duty Fire and Rescue Service staff who quickly called for emergency services.
Sam’s injuries were extensive, most critically a head injury and brain bleed on the brain stem that has left him with a brain injury. He had multiple fractures across his body and severe damage to his pelvis.
He spent several weeks in a coma and a month in the ICU at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Belfast.
It was an extremely difficult time for Sam who experienced a lot of confusion and hallucinations due to medications, not knowing what was real.
Sam said: “What happened was explained to me, but I didn’t appreciate the magnitude of it and what was ahead in terms of physio and adjusting.”
Sam had extensive surgeries to his head, legs, hips and pelvis.
Sam added: “I now understand the critical importance of quickly deploying the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) to incidents like mine, where every second counts. The role of the charity Air Ambulance NI, along with the significant contributions of all first responders, hospital teams, physiotherapists, and support services, is invaluable.”
Following his time at the RVH, Sam was transferred to Musgrave Park Hospital for rehabilitation. He faced the daunting task of relearning basic movements and to learning to walk again.
It was a long process.
“The pain of physio was intense, particularly at the start as I had muscle wastage, but the team were brilliant and helped me realise I had to do this,” he recalled.
“Once it dawned on me that I may not walk again a switch flipped in my mind and I threw myself into it. I had to learn everything including the mechanics of pulling my hips forward and weight transference – things that most people take for granted.”
It was during a physio session that Sam mentioned his love of playing rugby and his physio suggested mixed ability rugby and made an introduction. When Sam first joined he was on the pitch with a stick as an aid but has since threw it to the side and hasn’t looked back.
He said: “The welcome from the rugby team was amazing and it is very supportive.”
Sam also received help from the Cedar Foundation which has assisted him adjust to life with a brain injury.
“I have learnt that each brain injury is unique and how it impacts and affects people varies greatly. My motivation comes from a supportive family, friends and of course my soon to be six year-old daughter Maisie, who I would love to be able to walk down the aisle one day,” he said.
Four years on from the incident, Sam still has ongoing appointments; currently he is experiencing double vision in one eye that may require further surgery.
He said: “This is undoubtedly the most impactful event that has ever happened to me. There are days when I have felt like giving up but I want to do right for me and to recognise all those who helped me both on the day of the accident and thereafter.
“I have a lot to be grateful for as I can live independently, see my daughter, play rugby and hope in time that I can get back into employment.
“I’d also like to have a rugby fundraiser for Air Ambulance NI Charity to help a future patient receive the care they need.”
The HEMS that responded to Sam, is tasked on average twice every day. The service is provided by way of a partnership between Air Ambulance NI Charity and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
The medical team consists of a doctor and paramedic who can provide extensive interventions at the scene that improve a patient’s chance of surviving and help improve their recovery when they have suffered critical injuries as a result of major trauma.
When travelling to the scene by helicopter, the Air Ambulance flies at approximately 180mph and this is only possible thanks to donations and fundraising from the public.
You can find out more about the service and how you can support at www.airambulanceni.org
