Man thanks Air Ambulance which helped save his life following motorbike crash

Man thanks Air Ambulance which helped save his life following motorbike crash

5 October 2022

ANNACLOY man Martin Poll has thanked the air ambulance team which helped save his life two years ago when he sustained multiple serious injuries in a road crash.

The motorcyclist, who was involved in an accident at a bend on the main road between Hillsborough and Ballynahinch, suffered a broken pelvis, punctured lung and broken shoulder. He also shattered several ribs.

Martin — who was left lying in the road — is now back on his bike and eternally grateful to the air ambulance and all the medical professionals who helped him on the road to recovery.

Recalling his horrific accident, Martin said he only remembers lying in the middle of the road and the sound of a helicopter flying overhead.

What he didn’t realise was that it was the emergency air ambulance who were arriving to assist Ambulance Service paramedics at the scene to help administer much-needed pain relief as Martin was in a significant amount of pain. 

Reflecting on what happened, he said when the air ambulance team arrived, he felt an “overwhelming sense of relief” just knowing that he was in good hands. 

“I remember feeling I could completely put myself into their hands that day, letting them do whatever was necessary at that traumatic time,” he said.

Martin was subsequently transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he spent some time in the high dependency unit before he underwent surgery after which he faced a long two-year recovery period involving a lot of rehabilitation, including the complex repair of his shattered ribs. 

Recently, the team at Air Ambulance Northern Ireland was delighted to welcome Martin to their airbase in Lisburn to hear his extraordinary story. 

Now back on his bike after much-deliberation, Martin wanted to give something back to the charity involved in the helicopter emergency medical service.

And, prior to his visit to the Lisburn base, he reached out to the charity to join its ‘Club AANI’ – the charities club membership for anyone who would like to be part of the journey and support the lifesaving organisation in this unique way. 

Previously having supported charity runs in aid of the air ambulance, Martin explained he recently joined the Club AANI as he believes the team that attended to him following his motorcycle accident played a major role in his subsequent recovery so he could lead a fairly normal life.

The charity’s regional fundraising co-ordinator, Amy Henshaw, said the organisation is delighted Martin reached out to it about his story and experience.

“Having a serious motorcycle accident is extremely traumatic and we are happy to hear that Martin is making a good recovery,” she added.

The charity says Martin’s continued support for it and the air ambulance team that went to his aid following his accident is particularly welcome.

Officials say that by becoming a Club AANI member, the Annacloy man has supported those who may find themselves in the same situation he once was in.

Anyone who would like to become a club member can do by registering for just £2 a week online at www.airambulanceni.org All members are invited to an annual barbecue get together and receive a monthly e-newsletter.

The air ambulance operates 12 hours a day, seven days a week and provides urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province. It can get to anywhere in the province in around 25 minutes.

On average, the service is needed by two people a day in Northern Ireland and needs to raise £2m each year to maintain and sustain the service and relies heavily on crucial public support.

More information about the service is available by emailing info@airambulanceni.org.