Grace’s Story

Grace, 17, is the eldest of four children and had just finished her Level 2 Beauty course at college. She was doing well and looking forward to the future. But everything changed one afternoon as she was walking home, in Harlow.

While crossing the road at a zebra crossing, Grace was struck by a car. It was around lunchtime when East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) arrived on scene and quickly called for air ambulance support. Essex & Herts Air Ambulance’s critical care team in Helimed 55 was dispatched.

When Dr Rob Broomhead and critical care paramedic James Samouelle arrived, Grace was found to have a reduced level of consciousness and an obvious wound to her head. The team suspected a serious head injury. Grace was given a general anaesthetic at the scene to protect her airway, and an arterial line was inserted to closely monitor her condition. She was then flown rapidly and safely by EHAAT pilots Andy and Oli to The Royal London Hospital, where a trauma team was waiting to receive her.

Patient & Family Liaison Lead, Alice Kershberg had the pleasure of reuniting Grace and her family with Dr Rob and pilot Andy on a recent visit to our North Weald base. The team were pleased to hear that although she lost around eight months of memory, including precious moments like the birth of her youngest sibling, Grace continues to make progress.

Alice said “It was incredibly special to welcome Grace and her family to North Weald. Hearing how far she’s come and seeing her reconnect with the team who helped care for her that day, was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.”

Grace’s journey is featured in the Netflix series Critical: Between Life and Death