One year after a horrific accident that nearly claimed his life, Jordan Glasspool met the medical team that helped him.

Medics warned that he might never walk again, but Jordan defied all odds to walk into the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity base in Filton to meet the critical care paramedics and doctor who saved his life. Without the intervention of Critical Care Paramedics Pete Sadler and Charli Watkins and Critical Care Doctor Phil Cowburn he would not have survived the journey to hospital. Critical Care Doctor Phil Cowburn said:

“It was an honour and a privilege to meet Jordan and his family. I was astounded by how well he is doing. At the time he had sustained serious, life-threatening injuries to his head, chest and pelvis and was continuing to show signs of shock despite all the care we could bring to him. I was really concerned for his outcome. It is testament to the care delivered at the Major Trauma Centre and a massive credit to him and his determination as to how well he is doing. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Jordan was taking part in the Wiggle Cotswold sportive cycling event near Cheltenham in August 2015. Just a few hours in he was involved in a collision with a car, suffering serious injuries. He was trapped under the wheels of the car, and time was of the essence. If he was going to survive he needed expert help, and fast!

The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity’s Critical Care Team were called, and flew from their base in Filton to Jordan’s side in just 17 minutes. Our critical care team bring the skills and expertise of an A&E department to the scene.  When we arrived at the scene the car had been lifted off Jordan by participants, allowing our team to assess his injuries and provide the life-saving care he desperately needed. He was then airlifted to Southmead Hospital, which is the major trauma centre for the region. Without the air ambulance the likelihood is that he would not have survived the journey by road.

Jordan’s family were told that even if he did survive it would be very unlikely that he would walk again. However his determination and strength of character pulled him through, and he amazed the GWAAC crew by walking into the airbase a year later. Jordan’s father Neil said:

“Jordan enjoyed the visit immensely and was overwhelmed. He had been looking forward to it so much, and to see and thank the particular crew that saved his life. We cannot thank them enough!”

Jordan was also able to finish the Wiggle cycling event a year later, when he took over from his brother Alex Bateman to cycle the last part over the finish line. To thank GWAAC Jordan’s friends and family have been raising money, to help keep the air ambulance flying. So far they have raised more than £2,500.

If you or someone you know has been helped by the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity team, we’d love to invite you to meet the crew who help you. You can get in touch using our ‘Contact form.