On Wednesday 2nd July 2025, William McCartney from Coalisland, Co. Tyrone was travelling along the along the Ballynakilly Road to his work on his motorbike at Henderson’s Eurospar Cohannon when he was involved in a serious road traffic collision.
On receipt of the call in ambulance control, NIAS (Northern Ireland Ambulance Service) despatched an Emergency Crew to the scene and also tasked the Helicopter Emergency Service (HEMS) to attend by air ambulance.
The NIAS crew provided initial clinical care to William and continued to assist the HEMS team on their arrival, when together they provided the highest levels of care as they treated his significant injuries which included serious leg and ankle injuries, broken ribs and a bleed on the brain. He was then transferred by Air Ambulance, under the care of the HEMS team, to RVH.
Recently, William and his family visited the operational base to learn more about the service and charity. They were also fortunate to meet Dr Karen from the HEMS team, one of the clinicians who treated him at the scene and accompanied him on the flight to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
William pictured alongside Dr Karen Goddard.
Ten months on from his accident, William is continuing to make steady improvement and is gaining strength and mobility.
Damien McAnespie, Area Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI, said, “It was a pleasure to have William and his family visit our base recently. William has clearly been through the most difficult year but thanks to the wonderful care he has received from all emergency services and healthcare professionals, he is making great progress.
This service could not operate if it weren’t for the unique partnership that Air Ambulance NI has with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) and the Department of Health, as well as all those people who fundraise, donate, volunteer or support Air Ambulance NI Charity.”
The HEMS team attend patients who are seriously ill or injured, bringing emergency pre-hospital care directly to the casualty to save 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. One of the simplest ways to support is by becoming a member of Club AANI and donating via a monthly or annual subscription.
