David's story
 

Late in February 2010, on a very cold morning, while walking our dog over the fields, my husband had a complex partial seizure that turned into a Grand Mal and completely immobilised his right side. He was unconscious, unable to talk or see.  If it hadn't been for another dogwalker that was passing at that moment I don't know what I would have done. (He knows who he is and we are extremely grateful to him!) He called an ambulance for me and managed to guide them to our position in the field while taking control of both our dogs. Conditions were freezing and sleet. The Amulance crew arrived after 10 minutes. After wrapping him in space blankets it was quickly decided that another Ambulance crew would take too long and as they did not have a four wheel drive vehicle they called the Essex Air Ambulance. They arrived 10 minutes later, an unbelievable sight in bright yellow! He was quickly assessed and sedated, strapped onto a board and 4 crew members installed him safely inside the helicopter and off he went. When I arrived in A&E it was to find him safe (but out of it!) with half his clothes cut off him and unfortunately thrown away. A small price to pay for his well being.

I have donated to events raising money for this service for years never thinking we would need it. I still can't believe it happened to this day. My husband doesn't remember a thing, he was seizing (partial status) for 3 days but at least he was in hospital. He was finally discharged 7 weeks later and still has a long way to go to be fully fit. We are extremely grateful to the Ambulance and Essex Air Ambulance crew and to Addenbrookes Neurology Department for their help and care.