A self-employed Lurgan joiner who suffered a terrifying chainsaw incident during Storm Ali has now become a monthly donor to the charity who helped save his arm.
On September 19, 2018, Storm Ali hit the UK and Ireland with winds up to 100mph.
Trevor Hanna – a self-employed joiner from Lurgan, Co. Armagh – was severely injured when his chainsaw caught his arm, nearly severing it.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Emergency Control Centre, dispatched one Emergency Crew to the scene and also tasked the Helicopter Emergency Services (HEMS) Team to attend by response car.
Following initial assessment, Trevor received on scene wound management before being transferred by ambulance to hospital where he received surgery that saved his limb.
Trevor received treatment on scene to manage his wound before being transferred to Hospital for limb saving surgery.
Trevor commented of the day: “I remained conscious, so when the HEMS Doctor and Paramedic arrived on the scene, I was fully aware of what was happening and felt really reassured. The medical team were incredibly calm, and it was very helpful in such a frightening situation.”
The HEMS is provided by a partnership between NIAS and the charity, Air Ambulance NI.
Seven years later, Trevor and his two sons – Jack and Charlie – are avid supporters of the charity, Air Ambulance NI, wanting to ensure the HEMS service remains for everyone who needs it.
They all became members of the charity seven years ago, donating monthly through direct debit.
Trevor said: “Air Ambulance NI has a membership for adults and kids, and it just made sense for us to give back.
“I get an email each month to keep me connected with what’s happening and how our funds are being spent and the kid’s membership includes a posted pack three times a year. Often, they receive a gift like chocolate at Easter, and I have a gold pin badge and members sticker for my car.
“We all love attending the annual BBQ organised by the charity, just for members. Being members of the air ambulance is important for the boys growing up to know how the HEMS helped me and instil a culture of charity giving back.
“We know that each month our donations are helping the aircraft to lift off and help someone in need.”
Thanks to his arm being saved, Trevor is still able to drive, and this has become a family hobby for him and the boys. Self-confessed petrol heads, they recently joined a local car club and go on family driving trips with the group. The latest outing involved visiting the American Folk Park in their RS 6.
Trevor said: “Our love of cars and being able to drive has enabled me and the boys to have this joint passion and having the family days together are so important to us.
“Not having my arm doesn’t bear thinking about. Whilst I have limitations on what I can do, I get on with it as best I can and am so grateful to be able to get out driving with the boys and have my independence.”
The charity is encouraging people to sign up now as a member by setting up a monthly direct debit.
Members can choose their level of gift from £8 per month and are given a gold pin badge, car sticker and are invited to the annual members BBQ.
Signing up is easy at www.airambulanceni.org.
