Thames Valley Air Ambulance crews have delivered critical care to 99 horse riders since 2018, giving them the best chance of survival and recovery when the worst happens.
Equestrian incidents often lead to serious or life-changing injuries, requiring expert intervention. Over a third (38) of the riders suffered fractures, with 12 sustaining head injuries. For these injured riders, the pain relief and procedures that Thames Valley Air Ambulance crews offer over and above a regular ambulance can make all the difference.
A quarter of all incidents (25) happened during the months of May and June, a busy time for horse riders and polo players. The charity is releasing the figures to mark the launch of its Summer Raffle, which is fronted this year by Vanessa Whiteley, who was crushed by her horse playing polo when she was just 17.
Richard Company, Senior Critical Care Paramedic at Thames Valley Air Ambulance said, "‘Equestrian emergencies can mean extra hurdles for our crews to overcome. With the sheer weight of the horse and the fact that riders are often travelling at speed, we are likely to encounter severe injuries and shock. For incidents where spectators have witnessed the event, it can be very traumatic for bystanders too.
"The advanced drugs and kit that our expert crews carry mean we give patients the best possible chance of survival and recovery. Whether it is sedation, pain relief or performing an intervention then and there – we bring the hospital to the horse rider."
Vanessa Whiteley knows all too well the danger involved in her beloved sport, after her horse fell on top of her during a polo match. The Thames Valley Air Ambulance helicopter was sent to the scene and crews performed an immediate chest drain. Vanessa had broken all the ribs down one side of her body, with one rib puncturing her lung and one puncturing her liver. She was airlifted to the John Radcliffe and remained in intensive care for nine days.
This August marks the ten-year anniversary of her accident. Vanessa is back playing polo every summer and is currently busy planning her wedding to her fiancé, Ben. She is the face of Thames Valley Air Ambulance’s Summer Raffle and is encouraging people to lend their support to the charity.
Vanessa said, "When I had my fall, I didn’t know if anyone would be there to rescue me. You never know when you might be in need.
"Travelling away from that event in time is strange for me. Getting back to being brave again has been my challenge ever since. Thames Valley Air Ambulance rely solely on donations and fundraising for the charity for the last nine years has given me a purpose."
To take part in their Summer Raffle, visit www.tvairambulance.org.uk/raffle
To find out more or to support Thames Valley Air Ambulance, please visit www.tvairambulance.org.uk or call 0300 999 0135.
