Daniel’s Story

A patient who was airlifted twice in the space of two weeks as a child has praised the work of Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Daniel Taylor was in primary school when he collapsed and hit his head on the wooden floor in the hall. He had suffered a seizure and passed out.

Cornwall Air Ambulance was tasked to the scene near Roche, landing in the school field. The crew stabilised Daniel and airlifted him to Treliske Hospital for onward care, amid concerns he may have suffered a head injury.

Daniel was temporarily concussed and underwent brain scans, which came back clear. The following week he suffered a second seizure and again was airlifted to hospital by Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Following his incidents Daniel underwent speech therapy and had to re-learn how to speak. He was later diagnosed with both autism and ADHD, which he believes may have been linked to the seizures. He suffered neck damage following the incidents and still sometimes experiences flashbacks.

Speaking about his experience, Daniel said: “If I didn’t get airlifted, I think I would have suffered more. The quick thinking of the school and the crew getting to me hospital so quick has made such a difference.”

Over 20 years later, Daniel is an avid supporter of the charity. He regularly visits the shop in St Austell and always donates when he sees a Cornwall Air Ambulance collection jar. He added: “The service is very important, I really appreciate what they have done for me, I didn’t know what had happened at the time, but I was told afterwards. I can’t thank them enough and fully support them.”