Overview

• In mid-July 2025, nine-year-old Senara Wilton visited the GNAAS base near Eaglescliffe and met paramedic Hollie Smith and Dr. Chris Smith to express her gratitude.
• After her August 2023 fall left her with multiple brain bleeds, her father’s CPR and a pre-hospital anaesthetic administered 30 minutes post-injury were critical in stabilizing her.
• A nine-minute helicopter transfer to the Royal Victoria Infirmary and emergency surgery relieved intracranial pressure and repaired facial injuries, defying initial doubts she would walk or talk again.
• Since leaving hospital in October 2023, Senara has completed intensive rehabilitation and returned to gymnastics, swimming and karate, with only minor movement challenges remaining.
• Her case underscores the life-saving impact of rapid emergency response and the reliance on charitable air ambulance services to deliver critical care in rural areas.