Pamela's Story

Panic set in for Pamela when her symptoms left her struggling to breathe while home alone.

For Pamela, who lives in the village of Crimond in Aberdeenshire, time was running out. She needed specialist help, and fast.

“I have COPD (chronic organ pulmonary disease), so if I do begin to feel unwell, I know things can quickly and drastically get worse,” she admits.

“My anxiety was increasing as I didn’t think there were any medical professionals close enough to help in time.”

The 62-year-old called a neighbour, who instantly came over. Once he realised the severity of Pamela’s condition, he grew more distressed and dialled 999.

As time was running out, SCAA’ Aberdeen air ambulance – Helimed 79 – was tasked to fly direct to her aid.

Meanwhile, Pamela’s local doctor was first on the scene, followed closely by a first responder. The mother-of-one was gasping for breath as a test confirmed concerning oxygen saturation levels (low percentage of oxygen in the blood).

“I was panicking,” she recalls. “I didn’t know what was going to happen to me and I knew an ambulance was going to take too long.

“The next thing I remember was two women in bright red overalls walking into my kitchen.”

With a severe fear of flying, hearing she would be airlifted to hospital brought on a range of mixed emotions for Pamela.

Thankfully SCAA paramedics helped treat her at the scene and stabilise her alongside Scottish Ambulance Service paramedics.

She was transferred from her kitchen to the awaiting SCAA helicopter, which was able to land close to the scene at the local school. Thanks to our dedicated donors who fuel our service, Pamela was flown to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in just 13 minutes, saving a much lengthier journey time by road.

“The next thing I knew I was waking up in hospital,” she continues.

Once delivered to hospital, she was able to get the treatment needed to stabilise her oxygen levels back to a healthy state.

“After I was transferred to a ward in hospital, I was surprised to look out the window and see the SCAA air ambulance landing again to bring yet another person to hospital,” she points out.

Following a week in hospital, Pamela was able to return home. She is supported by her family, and her sister has decided to hold a birthday fundraiser in aid of SCAA.

Reflecting on her experience, Pamela admits she “feels lucky to be alive”.

“If a road ambulance isn’t going to be quick enough on blue lights, then the best chance you have is a helicopter reaching you…I’m so grateful SCAA did reach me in time,” she highlights.

“I think the SCAA crew saved my life that day.

“I’d like to thank the SCAA paramedics and the pilot for getting me to Aberdeen hospital so quickly – my heartfelt thanks for helping to save my life.”