Davey’s Story

Dad Davey Shephard was popping to the shop on his motorbike one evening, when he was involved in a serious road traffic collision that left him with life-changing injuries.

On 4^th April 2021, Davey was riding through Callington when a car pulled out in front of him. He hit the front of the vehicle and came off his bike, landing in the road.

Davey had suffered a multitude of serious injuries, including breaking both arms, his right leg and injuries to his spine.

Cornwall Air Ambulance was tasked to the scene, with Critical Care Paramedics Pete Storer and Paul Maskell on board your AW169 helicopter.

At the roadside, the crew administered ketamine so they could stabilise and splint Davey’s arms and his leg. There were concerns that he may need a blood transfusion due to blood loss.

After being treated on scene, Davey was airlifted to Derriford Hospital where he spent two weeks in a coma. As well as suffering from spinal injuries and broken arms, Davey had broken his coccyx, had blood clots on the lungs and had to have his right leg amputated below the knee.

Davey said: “I remember hitting the car, but I don’t remember anything after that. I think coming out of the coma was the worst part, I was very delusional and not myself. I think that softened the blow with what had happened with losing my leg. Because I wasn’t myself, I didn’t really have that realisation that I no longer had my right leg.”

Davey spent six weeks in hospital where visits were restricted due to Covid, meaning seeing his six-month-old daughter was difficult. He was bed-bound at home for over six months and has since had to learn how to walk with a prosthetic leg.

Recovery is very much still underway for Davey; he underwent numerous surgeries and may still require further surgery on his arms and on his leg.

Three years on Davey has been to visit the airbase to thank Paul and Pete in person.

Davey said: “From what I’ve been told, if Cornwall Air Ambulance weren’t there I probably would have died. I think I was very lucky that they were there. I think they were on their way to another crash, and they got diverted to me. Without them, I don’t think I’d be here.

“It’s a very important service in Cornwall, the helicopter can get to a lot of places that road vehicles probably can’t. I have a little girl, and I’m grateful that I’m still here to be a dad for her.”

Davey has also signed up to become a Heli2 Hero, meaning his name will feature in the chevrons on the base of the second AW169 helicopter.

He added: “I want to help others really; I never want others to not be able to get the help they need. I’ve given another donation as well and I’ll do my bit really. My little girl is lucky I’m still here, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to lose their dad, or siblings or family members.”

If you, like Davey, would like to become a #HELi2 Hero and have your name featured on your second AW169 helicopter, you can find out more here.