Date of incident – 04/10/07

Time – 10.00am

Location – Nr Lewes Racecourse, East Sussex

Penny, a personal trainer, was cycling with a client along an isolated path, when she suffered a nasty accident. Penny is still unclear as to exactly what happened, but she remembers rounding a bend in the path and then flying over the handlebars, as the bike buckled. The bike landed on top of Penny, digging into her ribs and causing excruciating pain.

Penny had brought her faithful dog, Katie, along and, as soon as Penny fell down, Katie circled her in a protective way. At this time, Penny was in a great deal of pain, and was unable to move. She also encountered problems breathing and so her client called the emergency services. Because of the remoteness of the location, the Sussex Air Ambulance was also deployed.

At this stage, Penny was very concerned about her dog who was clearly getting agitated that Penny was in pain. But, as Penny said, the Air Ambulance crew were absolutely fantastic with her and managed to calm her down whilst they assessed Penny.

The Air Ambulance crew were fearful that she may have punctured a lung so were careful in treating Penny. A friend came to collect Katie. Penny was flown to Eastbourne Hospital, just a short 8 minute flight.

Penny fractured 2 ribs in the accident and was unable to work for 6 weeks. She had this to say about the Sussex Air Ambulance; ‘When you’ve suffered the worst injuries that you ever have, it wasn’t life or death but serious for me at the time, you want the re-assurance of immediate medical care. The crew were so supportive and dealt brilliantly with my dog, Katie. I cannot thank them enough for helping me that day.’

 

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