Injured horse rider pays special tribute to airborne rescuers

Woman was knocked out on remote path but is now recovering

A horse rider has paid tribute to paramedics who airlifted her to hospital following a fall in the Fife countryside.

Sammy Smith was knocked unconscious after being thrown from her horse on a remote path near Rathillet, Cupar, but members of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) came by helicopter to her rescue.

The 23-year-old was taken to Ninewells Hospital for further treatment but, bruised and sore, she is now recovering at home.

Sammy and her boyfriend Andy Innes, who was with her at the time of the accident, have thanked the SCAA team who helped her.

She said: “Thank you for saving me yesterday. Thankfully horse and I are a bit bruised and sore but now recovering. Will continue to donate and help this service as the work you all do is amazing.”

Sammy said it had been her second fall of the day after her horse tripped on hard ground in another freak accident.

Andy also posted his thanks on social media and marvelled at the skill shown by the pilot involved.

He said: “Landing between the fences like that, I salute you and appreciate everything you guys did for Sam.

“I will admit there was a few seconds I was slightly paranoid about the landing and us being so close but you nailed it.

“Great service and these guys out on their horses or walkers or countryside goers will possibly at one point need you guys and supporting the SCAA is such a great cause. Thanks so much again.”

A spokesperson for the SCAA confirmed that it had attended following a report that a woman had “sustained head injuries in a fall on an inaccessible countryside path”.

It added: “SCAA was quickly on scene – landing close to the accident – to assist the injured woman and airlift her rapidly to Ninewells Hospital at Dundee for further treatment.”

Based at Perth Airport, SCAA can be airborne within five minutes of receiving an emergency call.

It is funded by the people of Scotland, primarily through donations, fundraising, events and its lottery.

Thank you for saving me yesterday. Thankfully horse and I are a bit bruised and sore but now recovering. SAMMY SMITH

The SCAA paramedics airlifted horse rider Sammy Smith after she fell from her mount on Saturday on a path in the Fife countryside.