Klaire's Story
Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity were tasked by critical care car, with doctor Jono Holme and critical care paramedic Craig Wilkins arriving on scene in a matter of minutes.
Klaire says: “I was cycling along and had my arm out to make a turn, with a couple of white van drivers stopping to wave me across the road. Another driver clearly hadn’t worked out why the vans had stopped and overtook them before crashing into me.
“The car clipped my elbow at speed and knocked me to the ground, where I sustained a knock to the back of my head. Although I will never remember the accident, I did apparently get up and move my bike to the side of the road to avoid causing others drivers any inconvenience, but by the time the crew arrived, it was clear to them that my condition was rapidly deteriorating.”
Klaire was intubated by doctor Jono, taking over her breathing, allowing her to be taken by land to Southmead Hospital – a specialist in major trauma. She would spend two weeks in hospital before being released to return to husband Peter and their four children.
“I had to have three operations on my elbow, involving a metal plate and screws, and I still can’t straighten it fully,” Klaire adds. “However, it’s the neurological trauma which has had the longer lasting effect, and life is tricky.
“I’ve lost count of the scans and assessments I’ve had. I have developed epilepsy, which means I’m no longer able to drive. I initially had fuzzy recollections, suffered from insomnia and I’ve also lost my sense of taste and smell.
“I did suffer a very severe brain injury, I’m told, and it means I’ve lost a lot of memories and I don’t have the energy I used to. I can only work about 20 hours a week before I feel drained, and I end up going to bed at the same time as my 13-year-old, which is embarrassing!
"I’m just so lucky Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity were there for me. They got to the scene so quickly and were able to carry out a procedure that a regular land ambulance wouldn’t, so who knows what the outcome would have been had Dr Jono and Craig not been there."
“I’ve been so lucky to have the chance to speak with Craig about the accident, which allowed me to fill in the gaps and bring some closure for me.”
Klaire has made some big life decisions since the accident, including leaving her previous job and preparing to set up her own business.
She’s also keen to help support the work of the Charity in the future and is excited to take part in the Skydive event in April, as long as she can get the necessary medical approval
“I’ve always supported local charities but until my accident, I wasn’t aware of the full extent of Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity’s incredible work,” she added.
“Living in Corsham, we often see the helicopter flying overhead or landing quite close to our house, but then I was at (charity partners) Hartham Park and learnt about the name change to include Bath.
“It really sparked my interest and I went on to the website and looked through the Mission Map before finding my accident. I immediately saw the two faces of the people who came to my rescue.
“I’ve since undertaken a cycle ride to raise funds for the Charity. I’ve got the Skydive coming up and I’m looking at any other ways I can help spread the message.
“What Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity does is incredible and that’s all down to voluntary donations, so it’s important as many people as possible give their support.”
Meet the aircrew from this mission
Have you been treated by us?
If you or someone you know has been treated by our critical care team, it would be great to hear from you. We can arrange for a visit to the airbase for the chance to meet our pilots, paramedics and doctors.