Scott, a dad of two from Burwell, was restoring a third-storey house window when his ladder collapsed under his feet in September 2022.
He plummeted to the ground, his legs snapping in the rungs of the ladder on impact. Scott explains, “I was left suffering with a fractured spine, pilon fractures and breaks to both of my legs and ankles, a broken shoulder in three places and a head injury.”
“My phone was in the kitchen, and I quickly realised no one would be back for hours… I knew I had to drag myself inside to call 999.”
Miraculously, Scott managed this agonising feat and an ambulance crew and the Magpas Air Ambulance team were dispatched to the scene. Scott continues, “I still remember hearing the helicopter and feeling so relieved when the Magpas Air Ambulance team arrived, as I knew I was in safe hands.”
Magpas Air Ambulance Doctor Jon Townsend and Critical Care Paramedic Shaunna Truskinger sedated him at the scene—a procedure they can only provide outside of a hospital thanks to their advanced training and equipment—before stabilising his injuries. They pulled his legs into place, treated his head wound and placed him on a spinal board, before working with an extrication team to manoeuvre him out of the property.
For Scott, it’s still a long road to recovery, however his admirable resilience has already seen him push himself beyond expectations from doctors. Scott explains, “I knew of the vital service air ambulances provide, but I never knew I would be relying on them one day! Simply put, I owe the Magpas Air Ambulance team my life”.
A year after the accident, Scott came back to thank Shaunna and Jon for their life-saving treatment. Now, despite still needing ongoing surgery to help with his rehabilitation and his leg currently encased in an external cage, he is going the extra mile to show his gratitude.
Next month, Scott will tackle the gruelling challenge of completing 100 miles in his wheelchair in May, with the goal of raising £10,000 for the charity which saved his life—a critical service that relies on public donations to continue operating 24/7.
Scott says, “I am only here because of Magpas Air Ambulance, and I’ve seen the effort their fundraising team puts in year-round to keep the charity going. I’m committed to giving back and raising £10,000 for this service. I know times are tough at the moment, but I would be so grateful for any support you can show me. Every pound really does make a difference for people like me.”
You can follow Scott’s journey and sponsor him via his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/scott-dwyer-1
