On 26th March 2022, Allyson Crawford’s life changed forever following a horse-riding accident in Millisle. While riding with her daughter Hannah, then just 14, Allyson’s horse Indi began behaving unpredictably. Despite Allyson’s efforts to regain control, she was thrown from the horse, which then collapsed beside her. Allyson experienced periods of unconsciousness but recalls waking up and reaching for her horse. The incident required the road to be closed for the safe removal of Indi, who sadly passed away.
The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) team, including Consultant doctor and paramedic, swiftly landed by air ambulance and took Allyson to hospital for further assessment and treatment.
Allyson’s helmet was praised for its quality, contributing to her survival. She suffered two bleeds on the brain, and hospital staff cautioned she might need to relearn basic skills such as walking and talking. For six months, she was unable to drive, but now, has been discharged from brain injury care, and continues to receive neurological support for pain in her limbs.
At the time of the accident, Allyson had just begun training as a dental nurse and, thanks to her determination and strong recovery, has since completed the course and started radiography training.
Allyson’s journey has inspired her to become a member of Air Ambulance’s Club AANI, donating to Air Ambulance NI each month. Allyson recently visited the air ambulance base, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the team’s pre-hospital care and expertise.
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI said, “It was lovely to meet Allyson and her family and to hear about her wonderful recovery. We wish Allyson continued progress and thank her for becoming a member of Air Ambulance NI through Club AANI. As a local charity, Air Ambulance NI aspires to raise £3 million each year to maintain and sustain this service and our members are crucial to this.”
The charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the HEMS for Northern Ireland. The service brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating seven days a week for 12 hours per day. The HEMS team attend patients who are seriously ill or injured, bringing emergency pre-hospital care direct to the casualty with the aim of saving lives, brains and limbs. The aircraft can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes.
Any patients or families of the HEMS are welcome to visit the airbase and should get in touch with Air Ambulance NI by calling 028 9262 2677.
More information about supporting Air Ambulance NI, including becoming a member of Club AANI and donating via a monthly or annual subscription is available by clicking here, alternatively you can contact the charity directly by emailing info@airambulanceni.org or calling 028 9262 2677.
