After a 20-foot fall left him with a broken neck, Graham says the charity helicopter’s rapid response along with NIAS specialist Helicopter Emergency Medical Service team show why public support is vital.
When Graham Duncan headed out to work on a roof in Glenavy last November, he had no idea his day would end with a life-changing injury — and a visit from the Air Ambulance helicopter.
On 4 November 2025, Graham fell around 20 feet. The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) was tasked to the incident by air ambulance, and the team were with him in approximately 10 minutes. He was then taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) by road ambulance.
He spent three weeks in hospital, and, like many trauma patients, Graham has no memory of the accident — or of the medical crew at his side. He suffered a serious neck injury, breaking his neck in three places. Graham is still recovering and attending his consultant regularly.
Now, Graham is using his experience to encourage others to back the service. He recently visited the Air Ambulance NI base and is encouraging others to give what they can to keep the helicopter flying.
Graham said: “I don’t remember the accident at all, but I do know the team were there within minutes and that’s something I’ll never take for granted. When something serious happens, you want the very best care at the scene. I’m asking people to keep supporting the air ambulance, because you never know when it could be you or someone you love who needs them.”
Air Ambulance NI is a charity that works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS). The helicopter responds, on average, twice a day to people in critical need of pre-hospital critical care. On board each mission is a consultant doctor and paramedic provided by NIAS — a specialist team able to deliver advanced interventions at the scene that can be lifesaving.
To keep the helicopter flying, Air Ambulance NI needs to raise £3 million per annum through public support — donations, fundraising and community efforts across Northern Ireland.
