Wearing purple...

By 60plus

Tiny Tuesday bumped today...

...by a small helicopter...
We were at Watford Gap services, minding our own business and finishing a coffee and sarnie in the car - we were on the way to Guildford to do some decorating for my niece. Roy was suddenly aware of a bit of a kerfuffle by the car in front, and two young couples said they were helping another young woman who they'd found collapsed in her car. We hopped out to offer support,  as you do. One of the young men seemed to know what he was doing, but he said the girl wasn't breathing, and the other one was busy making a 999 call. Once he realized he had support, the caller gave his phone to Roy and said "I can't do this - you do it", so Roy relayed messages while I supported the "medic" young man. The girl was spark out, but breathing - he was at the mouth trying to listen, but I could see her chest and stomach moving. Anyhoo - we got her into the recovery position and Roy said the air ambulance was on the way - guess they were close or in the air already,  or possibly the very first message had said she wasn't breathing. Roy was in organization mode by then, getting people in high viz jackets and clearing cars so the helicopter could see where to land. I think the medic young man thought I was bonkers when I got low down over the girl, but having been part of a ski rescue with a helicopter, I knew the downdraft is horrendous. By then the young girl had revived somewhat, and she was talking to us but in a confused way. The two girl rescuers, meanwhile, had calmly gone through her purse and phone to see if there was a medic alert bracelet or tablets or whatever. The "casualty" told us that she was suffering from a particular condition - but she was more concerned that no one called her partner. Once the four orange-clad professionals arrived we passed on the info, returned the phone and made sure the young folk were OK after their shock, and got on our way.
First Aid skills are one of the few things you learn and practise hoping never to use them - because we're in the outdoors a lot we try to keep up to date - and it's nice to know you can still do it if you have to! I'm glad one message Roy relayed didn't have to get put into action though - turn her back on to her back and prepare for CPR if necessary...
We're now in Guildford putting down dustsheets  ;)

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