A rider says she owes Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance “a big thank you” after emergency medics came to her aid when she suffered a rotational fall while arena cross-country schooling.

To mark Air Ambulance Week (9-15 September 2024), organised by Air Ambulances UK, Jo Dunn has shared her story to help raise awareness and funds for the charities, which receive no government funding.

Jo was taking part in an arena cross-country lesson when her mare Maggie clipped a table, causing the fence to rotate and get caught in the horse’s legs.

The mare somersaulted and landed on her side, on top of her rider.

“Those watching thought Maggie had broken her neck, but miraculously she got to her feet. I was knocked out,” recalls Jo.

“Mum is a retired nurse, so she stayed with me while my instructor called for an ambulance.

“The first responder arrived very quickly, and the air ambulance and land ambulance followed soon after.

“The air ambulance had to land three fields away, as there were horses turned out in the fields surrounding the arena where I had fallen.”

‘Phenomenal treatment’

Medics worked to stabilise Jo before she was taken to University Hospital Southampton via land ambulance.

She wasn’t transported by air because, having already been on the ground for an hour, Jo was very cold and so being carried across fields to the helicopter was avoided.

“The treatment I received from the NHS was phenomenal,” adds Jo.

“After 11 days in hospital with delayed concussion, a dislocated elbow and two ruptured discs, I was discharged to stay with my parents.

“After working really hard with the physiotherapy team for many months, I finally regained full movement of my arm and my back.”

Fourteen months later, Jo ran her first ultra-marathon (34 miles). She also returned to riding.

“Maggie had a few months of field rest as I was recovering. She received physio treatment alongside her veterinary treatment and was given a full clean of health. I was able to start bringing her back into work in the April,” says Jo.

No life-changing injuries

“I am thankful that neither Maggie nor I have sustained life-changing injuries,” continues Jo. “I owe a huge thank you to the Air Ambulance Critical Care Team, and all the NHS staff, for fixing me.

“Since first witnessing the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Critical Care Team help a horse rider after an accident about ten years ago, my parents and I have often bought charity lottery tickets and we donate regularly as well.

“As a family, I think we’ve donated over £3,000 over the years and I hope that our contribution will help to keep the Air Ambulance flying and saving more lives. “

Air Ambulance Week is the only week of the year dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the charities’ life-saving work

There are 37 air ambulance helicopters in the UK operated by 21 air ambulance charities.

In 2023 alone, the Air Ambulance rescued more than 208 riders at an average cost of £4,110* every time the helicopter is called out. It receives no government funding and so depends on public donations in order to operate,

*Cost varies depending on geography, patient need, clinical and operational models of the local air ambulance charity.

To show your support for Air Ambulance Week, you can make a one-off donation to Air Ambulances UK or get in direct contact with your local air ambulance charity.

Main image of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance plus inset of Jo Dunn supplied by Air Ambulances UK

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