After needing the help of Wales Air Ambulance, Kieran Day is giving back to the service that saved his life. 

Kieran Day, who served in the Parachute Regiment for 26 years had always been fit and healthy. Whilst in rural Wales, he was trampled by cows in a mist covered field, resulting in life threatening injuries.  

The keen cyclist suffered 2 collapsed lungs, 10 broken ribs, three breaks to his sternum, and a perforated liver.   

Due to the extent of his injuries, the Wales Air Ambulance were dispatched and provided critical care interventions at the scene, interventions which would usually only be available within a hospital setting. 

Kieran said: “Initially a local GP and paramedics attended and carried out an emergency procedure to re-inflate my lungs. They were then joined by a Welsh Air Ambulance crew carrying the lifesaving fluids that I needed, followed soon after by a trauma team who had been flown from Bangor Hospital by HM Coastguard.   

“After stabilisation and being put in an induced coma, I was air-lifted to Stoke Hospital where I received further treatment and extensive surgery having my sternum supported with titanium plates and most of the ribs on the right side of my chest replaced and supported by titanium.” 

The air ambulance service in Wales is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £8 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS Cymru) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles. 

Kieran had been a keen cyclist prior to his accident and was unsure if he would ever be able to ride a bike again.  

He said: “When I was recovering, I didn’t even think I would be able to sit on a bike again, let alone ride one. After physio and recovery, I have managed to get back out cycling and other than a little loss of lung capacity, I am pretty much back to normal.” 

In September 2022, Kieran attended the Arnhem Commemoration weekend in Holland. As a mark of gratitude to the service that saved his life, Kieran set himself the challenge of cycling 330km. 

He set off from the Hook of Holland to Arnhem on the 15th of September and completed the return journey on the 18th of September, raising over £2,200 for the lifesaving Charity. 

Laura Slate, Communications and Engagement Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “It is wonderful to hear how well Kieran is doing and that he has been able to get back on his bike after suffering such extensive injuries. 

“We are truly grateful that he chose to support us on this epic challenge, and our heartfelt thanks go to Kieran and those who supported him.” 

When reflecting on the Charity, Kieran said: “If it wasn’t for the skill and professionalism of all the medics that came to my aid and the subsequent prompt evacuation by helicopter to a major trauma centre, I wouldn’t be here today.”