When six-year-old Finn Blair set off for a fun day with his family in Argyll, no one could have predicted how quickly things would change.
A ride in the family’s utility vehicle, like the look of a golf buggy, took a sudden turn when it tipped over, leaving Finn with serious facial injuries and in urgent need of specialist care.
Thanks to the swift actions of his grandpa and the rapid response of the Scottish Ambulance Service, Finn was airlifted to the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow (RHC). His mum, Ellise, recalls the moment support arrived:
“Andy and Fraser from the ambulance service were absolutely amazing with Finn and so reassuring to my mum who had arrived at the scene and went in the helicopter with Finn. Then, when they arrived at the hospital, it felt like a specialist in every field was ready and waiting to help. It was incredible.”
Finn was assessed, scanned, and admitted to the ward, where he then underwent surgery to clean and stitch deep facial wounds. Thankfully, he had no internal injuries.
The RHC is the Major Trauma Centre for children in the West Coast of Scotland. This means that the hospital has all the necessary speciality expert teams that can provide the best care for the most severely injured children. Having everyone under the same roof helps give children the best chance for receiving expert immediate care and a tailored recovery plan to best work for the child and their whole family.
Throughout the ordeal, the hospital’s Major Trauma Coordinators played a crucial role in supporting the family.
“We were connected with the Major Trauma Coordinators who were fantastic at keeping us informed,” said Ellise. “Lynsay in the team was nothing short of amazing. She made a really difficult time feel manageable. Everyone at the hospital was so friendly and constantly asking what we needed.”
Finn and his mum were cared for on the ward by a dedicated team, including the Major Trauma Coordinators, who continued to support them even after discharge.
The family recently visited Gama Aviation to reunite with Andy and Fraser and see the helicopter that transported Finn to safety.
“It was surreal seeing the helicopter again, but this time without the trauma. Finn loved learning about it all,” said Ellise.
Mandy Meechan, Chief Nurse at the Royal Hospital for Children, praised the work of the Major Trauma Coordinators:
“We’re so pleased to hear Finn, and his family felt supported. Our Major Trauma Coordinators, Lynsay, Jenna, and Mark, are the glue that holds everything together during a trauma. “They ensure families are informed, reassured and cared for throughout their hospital journey and even follow up on progress after discharge.”
