Type of incident - Medical Emergency
Date of incident - 19/04/05
Time - 3.30pm
Location - Broadstairs, Kent

Whilst at home in April 2005, at around midday, Shirley started to suffer pain in her back. Unfortunately it worsened gradually throughout the day. Her husband, Ray, phoned for an ambulance at 3.30pm and by the time it arrived, Shirley was in a lot of pain.

A single response vehicle was first on the scene and diagnosed a ruptured aorta. The Kent Air Ambulance was called at 4.37pm, as time was precious. After just 28 minutes, it landed about 20 yards from Shirley’s front door. The helicopter was able to take off with her on board 10 minutes later. They arrived at the A&E department of Kings College hospital, London, at 5.47pm. Shirley’s consultant said later that she would not have survived if she had gone by road.

The Air Ambulance crew had ensured that the vascular team were waiting and Shirley was rushed into theatre. Shirley remained in hospital for 2 weeks and had an artificial piece of aorta inserted.

Shirley has recovered remarkably well from her ordeal and, apart from suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, is as well as can be expected. Shirley says that she owes the Air Ambulance a great deal; ‘There wasn’t time to go to QEQM, my most local hospital, and because of this, Kent Air Ambulance saved my life. Everyone was in the right place and available when I needed them the most, and I’m so grateful for that’.

Since her ordeal, Shirley has returned to the base on several occasions and regularly donates raffle prizes and gives donations to our vital cause.

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