Woman airlifted to hospital after horror 15ft fall at Scots beauty spot

A woman has been airlifted to hospital after a horror 15ft fall at a Scots beauty spot.

Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance Charity (SCAA) raced to the incident after the woman plunged from the coastal path at St Abbs Head in the Scottish Borders. Crews attended and the woman was found to have suffered a leg injury.

She stretchered from the rocks to an awaiting helicopter on Pettico Wick Harbour before she was airlifted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment - just a 20 minute flight away. The rescue marked a milestone 6,000th call-out for the charity, which has bases in Aberdeen and Perth.

Russell Mackay, SCAA's Operations Support Officer, said that while the St Abbs mission marked a milestone for the charity, everyone’s thoughts were with the injured woman.

He said: "We’re so pleased SCAA was available to attend for what must have been a painful and anxious experience for the patient and her family. Everyone at SCAA wishes her a speedy and full recovery.”

He added: "We launched in 2013 with one Bolkow 105 helicopter and responded to 289 call outs in our first year. We have just completed our 11th and busiest year ever with over 1,000 call outs, showing the growing and continuous demand for our life-saving service.”

The charity operates with two H135 helicopter air ambulances and two Rapid Response Vehicles, crewed by a pool of 12 paramedics and four pilots.

Russell added: “This significant milestone mission for SCAA - and the thousands of lives we have saved and impacted on positively over the years - is due entirely to the generous support of the public and the many trusts, foundations, businesses and organisations who recognise the vital service we provide. We owe them all a huge debt of gratitude as we mark the 6,000 responses made possible by their donations.

“In those 6,000 responses, we have flown as far north as Fair Isle and south to Newcastle, west to the Outer Hebrides and all along the east coast, ensuring those most in need receive the best and fastest possible care. SCAA will continue to evolve in order to respond to those most seriously ill or injured, in every part of Scotland."

SCAA is a vital part of the 999-emergency response network in Scotland, working alongside sister services or on its own, particularly in more remote and rural locations.

Russell said: “Our involvement at St Abbs Head was yet another example of our partnership working with other emergency responders in order to achieve the best patient outcomes and fastest delivery of care. Whether operating as part of a multi-service response – or as the sole responder at an emergency – SCAA has proved invaluable to the people of Scotland and our 6,000th call-out allows us a chance to reflect on the many we have helped and all who have helped us.”

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.