A holidaymaker who fractured her skull and spine after falling off a seawall in Bembridge earlier this year has thanked Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance for saving her life.
Janine Ward, from Lincoln, now relies on a wheelchair following the accident in May.
“I don't want to sound dramatic, but Trevor thought I was dead", Janine said.
The 71-year-old was left semi-conscious and with a large wound to her head when she slipped and fell nine feet onto concrete steps in Bembridge.
It happened just hours after she and her husband Trevor, 72, had unpacked their bags.
Due to the severity of her injuries, the air ambulance and coastguard were called, as Isle of Wight Radio previously reported.
She was provided with critical care and was transferred to the region’s major trauma unit, University Hospital Southampton.
A doctor and paramedic from the air ambulance service administered strong pain relief and medication to improve and maintain Janine’s blood pressure, which had fallen very low. Once stabilised, Janine was airlifted to hospital by air ambulance where she underwent emergency surgery.
Janine said:
“It wasn't until I let out a groan that he learned I was alive. He is sure I wouldn't have made it without the air ambulance.”
While Janine recovered from her injuries, the rest of her family carried an extra burden.
She added:
“On the very same day as my fall, my brother dropped down dead. Trevor couldn't tell me for two weeks because I just wasn't strong enough to cope with it. It was awful.
“Life can change in the blink of an eye."
Janine was later moved from Southampton to the Sheffield Spinal Cord Injuries Unit via a hospital in Nottingham. And, on September 14, four months after her fall, she returned home.
“It was always a target to get home for Christmas as it is always a special time for us as a family", she said.
"This year will be especially special. I want to say thank you to the Air Ambulance crew that helped save my life.”
In September 2022, Janine’s son, Russ, raised £1,464 for the charity that saved his mum’s life, by completing the Lincoln City Centre Half Marathon.
For more information, visit www.hiowaa.org
Councillor Coy On Isle Of Wight Social Housing
Warning For Islanders Selling Vehicles To Be 'Scam Aware'
Bus Fares Set To Rise Following Council Meeting
Small Business Support Proposal Passed By Isle Of Wight Council
Isle Of Wight Residents Encouraged To nominate Charity To Receive Festive Financial Boost
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty Plan Unanimously Approved
More Islanders Cross The Solent With Wightlink’s Discounted Fares For NHS Appointments
Hampshire And Isle Of Wight Air Ambulance Funds Defibrillators For The Community
Isle Of Wight Council Budget Pressures Likely To Continue Following Autumn Statement
Council Approves Support Package To Help Islanders On Low Incomes
Isle Of Wight Councillor In Mental Health Priority Motion
Bird Keepers Urged To Remain Vigilant Following Increased Avian Influenza Risk
Island Pupils Receive Lesson In Road Safety That Could Save Lives
New Shanklin Flats Given Green Light
Joe Robertson Appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary For Shadow Culture, Media And Sport
Shanklin Company Making Nuclear Waste Sorting Safer, Greener And Cheaper
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Landscape Plan Decision On Horizon
Help Sought For Isle Of Wight's Struggling Small Businesses
Primary School Admissions For September 2025 Now Open
Island Families Invited To Take Tour Of St Mary's Special Care Baby Unit
