Visit to Surrey Air Ambulance HQ

On Thursday 29th May, Neil and I and most of our families together with two of Luke's good friends, Ali and Alex, went over to Dunsfold to visit the Surrey Air Ambulance. We didn't know what to expect and were hoping to meet the doctor and to see the helicopter. We weren't disappointed. We were welcomed by the lovely staff there and were introduced to the doctor, Jeremy Smith, and Critical Care Paramedic, Neil Painter, who both assisted Neil at the accident scene. It was an emotional morning and the sun shone. They were amazed to see Neil looking so fit and well and we were overwhelmed to meet them and to thank them for saving his life. They explained that Neil was in a bad way when they arrived and that the ambulance crew with him were struggling to save him. His head and neck were distorted, his lungs had collapsed and he was having difficulty breathing. They opened the side of his chest at the roadside and performed life-saving surgery. His liver and part of his stomach were in his chest and his ribs shattered on one side and broken on the other, which was hampering his breathing. Their brilliance and expertise undoubtedly saved Neil and they confirmed that if Neil had gone by road ambulance he would definately not be here today. Everyone who has generously donated to the SAA can see that they do make a difference and save peoples' lives.