Kath's Story

When Kath signed up for the Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) lottery, she couldn’t have known she would require our frontline service 10 years later following a road traffic collision.

“I was retuning home from a nail appointment,” Kath, 63, explains, “when I and another driver pulled out at a junction at the same time.

“We collided and my car swung 180 degrees until it hit a barrier.

“I got out of my car thinking I was okay but then my legs just gave way. I lay down on the ground against the barrier until the police, a local fire brigade and a land ambulance arrived.

“I was asked what medication I was on.

“I have survived two cancers, I have ongoing Leukaemia and I live with AF [Atrial fibrillation – a type of heart rhythm problem where the heartbeat is not steady].”

Shortly after her collision, Kath, who lives in Johnshaven, Aberdeenshire, began feeling “a stabbing pain” under her arms, chest and back.

“The longer I sat there, the more the pain intensified,” she reflects.

“There was a great heaviness under my right arm…which was pulsating with pain and a tightness.

“As I was being treated by ambulance crew at the scene, I suddenly heard rotor blades. I was trying my best to stay in control but as soon as I seen the helicopter approach, I was overcome by shock and emotion.”

SCAA’s Aberdeen-based Helimed 79 was tasked to the roadside incident and arrived within 15 minutes.

SCAA crew worked alongside colleagues from the Scottish Ambulance Service to support Kath’s symptoms and mange her pain levels.

The former RAF Non-Commissioned Officer was packaged into our air ambulance to be transported directly to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI).

“I was made very comfortable,” Kath says, “and the helicopter felt very spacious.

“I was monitored throughout the short flight and constantly reassured which made me feel at ease. The crew were just so professional.”

Kath was delivered to ARI in less than15 minutes and was wheeled into the resuscitation unit by SCAA crew.

After numerous tests, it was found that Kath had partial weakness in the right side of her body resulting in reduced motor function and a numb sensation. She also developed sciatic nerve pain following the incident.

Fortunately, Kath was able to return home with her husband the following day, with check-ups planned to monitor her recovery process.

“Because of my existing health conditions, especially my AF, I was fearful I could rapidly decline after the accident or that it would trigger further medical problems,” she points out.

“So, to be immediately rushed into resus was a huge relief – I am most grateful. If I had went to hospital by road, it could have turned out differently.”

As well as continuing to play the SCAA lottery, Kath is also now eager to volunteer for the charity and help us raise greater awareness.

“I want to give something back and help advertise this service,” she says. “It’s an excellent service that needs all the exposure it can get.”