A dad was saved by an air ambulance after being involved in a horrendous accident while cycling home.
Paul Bradford, from West Kirby, was cycling home after a four-hour ride with friend Tom Kennedy in North Wales in April 2022. They were travelling at 25mph when Paul hit a stationary vehicle.
The full impact was taken by his head and shoulder and he was knocked unconscious. Tom, who is an anaesthetist, was able to provide life-saving care before emergency services then arrived at the scene.
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Tom said: “An ambulance was the first emergency service to arrive and two paramedics cleared blood from Paul’s mouth and provided a blanket to keep him warm. They gave me a cannula to put into his arm so that he could take some meds.
“Then the air ambulance arrived who I handed over to. They were very communicative and professional.
“The crew prepared some drugs and equipment for intubation, stabilisation and transfer.”
Tom also applauded how a member of the North West Air Ambulance Charity crew dealt with Paul’s wife Mel who was distraught when she arrived.
He said: “She was met by a crew member called Eimhear who dealt with the situation very well. She was clear and professional, kind and empathetic.
“Overall, the crew was clearly well drilled and efficient at what they do. They ruled in and out life-threatening issues as soon as possible and got Paul to Aintree University Hospital".
Paul, a 46-year-old marketing manager, suffered a brain injury, fractured skull, broken ribs and a severely injured jaw. He was then admitted to The Walton Centre, which specialises in neurology.
Paul spent ten days in ICU and nine weeks in hospital. He was off work for six months while he underwent rehabilitation.
While undergoing rehab, keen triathlete Paul wrote a book called ‘The Sub 3-Hour Marathon Playbook’ – a step-by-step training system. At the time of the accident, he was four weeks away from competing in the Ironman World Championship in the USA.
However, Paul will now compete in today's (April 23) London Marathon - just 12 months after his life was saved.
Before he competes, Paul went to the North West Air Ambulance Charity base at Barton, Greater Manchester, to say thank you to the doctor and aircrew who saved his life.
Paul said: “Thanks to the crew that day my wife still has a husband and my children still have a father.”
He added: “While I have no recollection of the incident I just know the air ambulance crew were amazing.
“The speed by which they attend a scene and the care they provide saves lives and reduces disability which would otherwise occur through potential delays on the road to remote destinations by traditional ambulances.
“Until the accident I was not aware that the service is entirely funded by charitable donations. I was astonished by this and will raise awareness and funds to keep the air ambulance in the skies.”
Paul has set a target of £3,500 for the air ambulance charity. People can donate to his marathon effort by clicking here.
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