Rescue of woman after serious horse-riding accident to be featured on TV

The rescue of a woman after a near-fatal horse-riding accident is to be featured on TV tonight.

Claire Holywell was riding through Swainby in May 2024 when her horse, Emy, was startled and reared up, causing the rider to fall backwards to the ground.

In the process, Emy also lost her balance and fell, landing on top of Claire as she hit the ground, causing Claire to briefly lose consciousness from the impact.

As Emy struggled to regain her footing, she rolled over Claire and, in the process, stood on her chest.

This traumatic incident left Claire breathless and in severe pain, causing significant injuries, including two fractures to her right scapula, seven broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a severe pelvic injury, with her pelvis separating at the front and fracturing at the back.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s critical care team, comprising paramedics Becky Knight and Stewart Ashburner-Mcmanus, swiftly arrived from YAA’s Topcliffe base in Thirsk, reaching Claire in just minutes.

After assessing the scene, the team quickly secured the area, being mindful of Emy’s agitated state.

Becky said: “When we come into a situation involving horses, especially one that’s been spooked, we need to ensure everyone’s safety.

“Our goal is to protect the patient and anyone around without adding risk.”

Claire’s injuries were life-threatening, particularly to her pelvis, which carried a significant risk of internal bleeding. The team promptly administered morphine to manage her pain and monitored her vital signs.

They then gave her ketamine, a fast-acting analgesic with dissociative properties, providing rapid pain relief. This allowed the team to apply a pelvic binder and safely transfer her onto a stretcher.

The dissociative effects of ketamine also meant Claire would have limited memory of the accident and her pain, a benefit that can aid her long-term mental recovery.

Claire and Emy.

Speaking about the importance of rapid intervention, Stewart said: “We can help prevent worsening conditions at the scene, but the actual treatment for injuries like these comes from surgery and advanced care at a major trauma centre.

“That’s why we aim to get patients to trauma facilities within the ‘golden hour’ – the faster they receive lifesaving surgical treatment, the greater their chances for recovery.”

YAA’s team transported Claire to James Cook University Hospital, where she underwent emergency treatment and monitoring for her injuries, resulting in a 10-day hospital stay.

Doctors at the hospital estimate her injuries may take up to a year for her to fully heal.

Despite her injuries, Claire’s dedication to horses remains unwavering.

She said: “At this stage, I don’t know if I’ll be able to ride again, but I’m very hopeful.

“If I can ride, I definitely want to get back on board. For now though, Emy is content just getting cuddles and being in her field”..

Claire expressed her gratitude to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team, adding: “I don’t know what we’d have done without them, especially as the land ambulance couldn’t reach me because we were so far from a gateway in a 100-acre field.

“The crew were so skilled and compassionate and worked brilliantly as a team.

“I felt very looked after in their care. They were all amazing, and I really can’t thank them enough.”

The rescue will be highlighted on tonight’s premiere of Yorkshire Air 999, a new TV series airing Fridays at 9pm on Quest.

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