A MAN WHO was seriously injured following a road traffic accident in the Foreglen area of County Derry earlier this year was reunited with the PSNI Air Support Unit and Ambulance personnel who helped save his leg, which was badly injured in this incident.
Caolan McCluskey was involved in a serious road traffic accident on 15 February. He was one of three men who were seriously injured in the accident.
Rescue services
Police and ambulance crews were quickly on the scene. After paramedics assessed and tended to the casualties, two of them were transferred to hospital by ambulance, however the injuries sustained by McCluskey were such that there was the likelihood that he may lose his lower left leg if he did not get to hospital quickly.
He needed to be brought to hospital as soon as possible and a transfer by road would significantly reduce the chances of saving his leg.
At 5.28pm the paramedics requested the assistance of the PSNI Air Support Unit to airlift McCluskey to Altnagelvin Hospital. The helicopter was deployed immediately and flew to scene.
Air rescue
The expertise of the pilot and his crew were essential on the day as conditions at the time made landing the helicopter very difficult.
Both the police and paramedics worked together to ensure that McCluskey was safely transferred to Altnagelvin hospital.
Caolan’s mum, Grainne, said:
I would like to thank everyone involved on the night of Caolan’s accident. Without the services of the helicopter Caolan’s injuries would have been life threatening.
Chief Inspector Sam Donaldson, Limavady Area Commander said this was just another case where the PSNI worked closely with our partner agencies to keep people safe.
He added:
The fact that Caolan is well on the road to recovery and is here today makes our job worthwhile. I wish Caolan and his family all the best for the future.
John McPoland, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said they are delighted that Caolan and his family have taken the time to come meet with them today. He said:
We are glad to see that he is recovering well which, in no small part, is due to the teamwork involved from the time the call was made until the time he was operated on. Many people were involved in this incident.
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