Beeline: Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance Magazine, Spring 2016

why we do it
Remote beach rescue
Richard Wickham became ill while visiting one of the most remote beaches
on the south coast. He needed to get to hospital quickly, but access to his
location was extremely difficult. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was
called in by paramedics at the scene. Richard tells us more…
eing retired, I like to take special advantage of
“B
warm, sunny days and often got to Knoll Beach,
Studland during the summer months to relax,
sunbathe and sometimes swim.
“It was Monday 7 September 2015 and although I had
suffered slight stomach cramps the day before, I decided
to go to the beach as it was such a lovely day. I was quite
relaxed and enjoying the day until around 11.30am when
the stomach cramps returned and I collapsed as a result
of the pain.
“An ambulance was called but unfortunately it was
about a ten-minute walk from the road to get to me, so
it took some time before paramedics arrived. Having
established there was definitely something wrong – as
apparently I looked very pale and had severe stomach
pain – I was given medication and put on a drip.
“The paramedics decided to call the air ambulance for
assistance as it would have been difficult to carry me on a
stretcher over soft sand and along a rough track to where
the ambulance was located.
“The Coastguard and National Trust closed an area on
the beach. As soon as the helicopter landed, a doctor on
board checked me out and diagnosed an internal bleed.
Richard spent nine
days in hospital
following his airlift
from Knoll Beach
I was quickly strapped up to a stretcher, carried a few
yards across the dunes onto the beach, put in the waiting
helicopter and taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital. The
crew on board kept me reassured and relaxed as I took
my first ever trip in a helicopter, although I only had a
view of the sky!
“I had x-rays soon after arriving in hospital and at
11.00pm that evening a CT scan showed a large acute
haematoma of the abdomen, suspected to be the result
of a fall.
“I was in hospital for a total of nine days. It has taken
me three months to return to good health and the latest
scan shows an improvement in the blood clot. Once I was
aware that DSAA was a charity, I had no hesitation in
sending a thank you letter and donation as I appreciate
that this emergency trip to hospital – and the attention I
was given – cost a lot more than a taxi ride!
“I realise my cheque was a drop in the ocean compared
to the costs incurred in keeping this important life-saving
charity going, but I hope it showed my appreciation for
what was done for me and I would like to think other
people will show theirs in the same way, should they ever
be in the same position.”
20 01823 669604 | www.dsairambulance.org.uk