Ben Ashe, a 30-year-old police officer, is recovering after a devastating motorbike crash in Hampsthwaite, Nidderdale, that left him with serious injuries. The accident occurred just 0.4 miles into a bike ride with a friend on a narrow country lane.
Crash Details
While navigating a 60mph lane, Ben collided with a car, the force of which catapulted him over 15 metres into a dry-stone wall bordering a residential garden. The collision left him initially unconscious, with a suspected head injury.
Quick Response
A Dutch couple on holiday, who were staying at the nearby property, and Ben’s friend, who was riding with him, immediately called emergency services. They remained by his side until help arrived.
Paramedics from Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) were dispatched from RAF Topcliffe in Thirsk, flying 28 miles to the scene. A land ambulance crew arrived first, stabilizing Ben, who had regained consciousness but was disoriented, vomiting inside his helmet, and struggling to breathe. He also reported severe pain in his shoulder, hip, and neck.
Life-Saving Measures
The YAA team, including critical care paramedics Sam and Becky, administered advanced treatments, including morphine for pain relief and tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce internal bleeding risks. Ben’s Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score improved during treatment, a positive sign indicating increased alertness and responsiveness.
Ben’s protective riding gear, including a helmet, leather, gloves, and a back protector, played a crucial role in minimizing the severity of his injuries. Sam commented:
“We attend a huge number of motorcycle accidents, and there’s a vast difference between people who wear protective clothing and those who don’t. In this case, it reduced the injuries Ben would have had.”
Transport to the Trauma Centre
After stabilizing Ben, the team transferred him to the Leeds General Infirmary by land ambulance, allowing the YAA helicopter to remain on standby for other emergencies.
A Reminder of Motorcyclist Risks
Motorcyclists face significantly higher risks on the road, being 50 times more likely to die in accidents compared to car drivers. The swift response of both the YAA and land ambulance teams ensured Ben received life-saving care promptly.
Ben’s recovery journey highlights the importance of protective gear and the critical role of emergency responders in saving lives after serious accidents. Further updates on his condition are expected as he continues treatment.
