Nine-year-old meets air medics who helped save him


A nine-year-old Gretna boy has met the air medics who flew to his aid after he was run over by a car. Robbie Mason was hit by the car as he went to cross the road on his way to Gretna Primary School. The young boy lay underneath the vehicle as his frantic mother, Wendy Mason, called emergency services and his grandmother, Margaret Clarkson, tried to rescue him from underneath. The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) flew to his aid, despatching the Pride of Cumbria aircraft from its base at Langwathby, near Penrith. Robbie had sustained serious injuries to his head.

A nine-year-old Gretna boy has met the air medics who flew to his aid after he was run over by a car.

Robbie Mason was hit by the car as he went to cross the road on his way to Gretna Primary School.

The young boy lay underneath the vehicle as his frantic mother, Wendy Mason, called emergency services and his grandmother, Margaret Clarkson, tried to rescue him from underneath.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) flew to his aid, despatching the Pride of Cumbria aircraft from its base at Langwathby, near Penrith.

Robbie had sustained serious injuries to his head. He was treated at the scene by the GNAAS doctor and paramedic team, working alongside Scottish Ambulance Service paramedics, before being flown to the major trauma centre at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

Grandfather, Frank Clarkson recalls: “I am sure you can imagine the horror that ensued and the relief to my daughter and wife when they were informed that the air ambulance were on their way with a doctor on board. All the staff was brilliant and a credit to the organisation.”

Robbie’s recovery astounded the medics who treated him, and he was back at school less than three weeks after the incident.

He also made a trip to the charity’s base in Langwathby, Penrith and paramedic, Andy Dalton, who was on-board the aircraft at Robbie’s incident showed him around the helicopter before the crew were called out to an accident which meant Robbie saw his medic heroes swing in to action.

Mr Dalton, GNAAS paramedic, said: “It was great to meet Robbie and see how he has made such a fantastic recovery. He even brought us a big Easter egg and some chocolates which will go down a treat.”

As well as thanking the men for their life-saving skills, Robbie also handed over a cheque for more than £1,300, raised from fundraising at his school in Gretna.

Robbie’s mother, Wendy Mason, said: “The community were absolutely brilliant and everyone really got behind the cause. We want to thank everybody who donated and showed such great support for the service. We hope we raised lots of awareness too. We plan to do another bucket collection soon to raise even more funds for the incredible GNAAS.”

Mandy Drake, head of fundraising at GNAAS, said: “It was fantastic to see Robbie bring a bumper cheque to the base. It has taken a lot of hard work and for that we are very grateful.”

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