Stephanie Russell

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Date of incident – 04/11/07

Time – 3.00pm

Location – Dorking, Surrey

Incident type – road traffic collision

Stephanie Russell, 21 at the time, was driving along a dual carriageway, within the speed limit, when for no reason at all she lost control of her car, and ploughed into a tree. Thankfully, the emergency services were able to extricate Stephanie and she didn’t have to remain in the car for longer than 30 minutes. She had suffered a broken collarbone, head injuries, a fractured ankle and was unconscious the whole time.

Stephanie was immediately taken to the Royal London Hospital and rushed into the intensive care unit. She was in a coma for 3 days and was later told by doctors that they didn’t feel she would make it.

Stephanie remained in Royal London for 3 weeks before being transferred to Epsom Hospital. It was here that Stephanie learned how to walk again. She also received extensive physio to help correct her posture, and to build up her strength.

Once released from hospital, she moved back in with her mother, who looked after her. Stephanie recovered well from her injuries, and 6 months after the accident, she feels as though she is now back to full health.

Stephanie has been told that the time saved in taking her to hospital was paramount in her surviving. In addition, the air ambulance crew were also able to take Stephanie to the most appropriate trauma centre for her injuries. As Stephanie comments: ‘I just think that the air ambulance are wonderful. I have to admit to not knowing a lot about them before my accident, but now I’m very thankful that they exist’