A Co Tyrone school boy has thanked Air Ambulance NI after a swift response from the charity helped him in a time of need.
Michael McCaughey, 11, from Beragh had been on the playground at St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School earlier this year before a nasty accident left him with a broken leg.
Landing in the local football field, the medical team reached Michael and immediately gave him advanced pain relief before carrying out a bone realignment of his fibula in the school playground.
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Michael was then flown to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast in 20 minutes, landing on the helipad on the roof before being transported to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
Michael spent four days in hospital and has since been recovering at his home, receiving physio treatment and gradually building up his leg strength.
He recently got the chance to show his appreciation to the Air Ambulance staff who looked after him.
Michael’s parents Michael and Siobhan said they were ‘eternally grateful’ to those that cared for him
“We would like to thank the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the HEMS team for all they did for Michael, we will be eternally grateful for their assistance that day.
“It was brilliant to visit the Air Ambulance base and personally thank the medical team. We have always known about the Air Ambulance, but it is not until you need them that you realise what an incredible service it is.”
Fundraising manager for the area Damien McAnespie said he had actually met Michael just weeks beforehand during a presentation at the school.
“It was fantastic to meet Michael after what must have been a very scary experience for everyone” Damien said.
“I remember speaking to Michael and his class only weeks prior to his incident and informing them what types of incidents the Air Ambulance team go to, how they can help individuals and how it takes everyone’s support to keep it flying as it is a charity.
“I am delighted to hear that Michael is continuing to make a terrific recovery and I wish him all the very best as he prepares for his next chapter of life in secondary school.”
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