"Wonderful people doing a wonderful job"

I was working alone in a community hall in a rural area of Islandmagee, Co.Antrim. I was constructing wooden storage cupboards which involved power tools.  Unexpectedly a circular saw I was using kicked back out of a piece of timber and landed on my left arm between my thumb and index finger before running up my wrist approximately six inches. I immediately knew I had a serious injury. Using my right hand I immediately grasped the wound in order to stem blood loss. I ran outside to my work van, where my phone was. Fortunately the 'Emergency Call Only' icon appeared on the phone screen as I struggled to call for assistance.

The Operator who received my call was great. She established my identity, location and extent of my injury and continued to reassure me. She quickly identified that the air ambulance would be the best first response.  The operator remained on the line as other agencies were tasked and continued to reassure me and seek information. I do not know this lady's name but I would like to thank her for all she did. I was able to tell her when I could hear the helicopter.  As the helicopter landed I could hear other sirens approach. I felt so relieved to hear these sounds.  The Air Ambulance crew, paramedics and police officers all seemed to arrive within a short period of time. A police officer positioned himself to my side as I was assisted to the ground. I remember him applying pressure to the inside of my upper arm in order to restrict blood loss. I am very grateful to this officer who acted quickly. The Air Ambulance consultant (I think his name was Darren) immediately reassured me.  He was the consummate professional. Calm, decisive, knowledgeable. He directed paramedic staff to apply a loose tourniquet and to remove my hand from my wound and apply bandage. I was removed to the paramedics' ambulance where the Consultant directed I be put on a drip and given morphine.  He then instructed the ambulance crew to take me to The Ulster Hospital for the attention of the Plastics Dept. I would like to thank the Air Ambulance crew for both their rapid response and the expert medical treatment.

The paramedic staff (Sharon and David I believe) who transported me to the Ulster Hospital were great. Sharon monitored my condition continually and reassured me.  She was so kind. I would like to thank both these staff for their assistance.

On arrival at the Ulster Hospital I received prompt attention.  I was seen by numerous doctors and nurses all of who were wonderful.  After assessment I was told I needed an operation which would probably be done the next day.  I was consulted about whether I wanted to stay overnight in hospital or return home.  I chose the latter.  My wound was temporarily stitched and dressed before discharge.

The following morning I returned to the Plastics Dept in the Ulster Hospital.  I was admitted.  I was allocated a room.  This was amazing.  My room was like a hotel with en suite toilet facilities, TV and remotely controlled lights and blinds. Incredible. In the evening I was taken to theatre.  The staff where amazing. The reassured me and we joked light-heartedly.  I felt safe in their hands.  At midnight I awoke.  I felt no pain. I felt very happy with everything. The following day the Consultant surgeon visited me with his entourage.  He told me he had reconnected tendons, arteries and nerves and that all was well.  I believe his name was Andrew. I would like to thank Andrew for his assistance and his excellent stitching.  I can tell he tried to make good the mess I had made of my tattoos.  The scarring will be minimal. The nursing staff on the ward were I recovered from the operation were so nice. I would like to thank them all.  I would also like to thank the man who brought my food to me.  He was courteous and friendly. A special mention to the male cleaner who sorted my room.  He was a middle aged man and he made me laugh.  I really liked him. Thank you Sir.

After discharge from the ward I have attended the Hand clinic on several occasions.  Once again I would like to thank the staff.  I was seen by Tom on the first two occasions.  Great at his job and super friendly.  Janey, the consultant hand specialist, was so knowledgeable and gave me great insight into the nature of my injury and the rationale behind the physio programme. Janet was also brilliant.  She gave me a detailed physio programme and also the confidence to follow it.

My treatment is ongoing but I would like to put on record that I believe the treatment and care I have received from first point of contact with the telephone operator to date as not only been first class, but world class.  I cannot think of a single area where I could suggest improvement.  Wonderful people doing a wonderful job.  Thank you all.

PS. I have now set up a small monthly Standing Order to help fund the Air Ambulance.