28 Jun 2009 : Parachute Accident

A member of the Royal Artillery’s “Black Nights” Parachute Display Team was injured on Saturday (27th June) during a display jump at the Duffield Carnival. The 24 year old male landed very heavily and sustained a suspected fracture to his lower leg and ankle.

Derby Mountain Rescue Team had been at the Carnival with one of their team vehicles and just prior to the accident had been demonstrating the use of their vacuum mattress and vacuum splints, as used to treat such injuries. Team members rushed to the injured man and administered first aid. A local GP and nurse, who had been part of the crowd watching the display, were also on hand as were the Civil Aid voluntary service who had been providing first aid cover for the event.

Rescue Team members put their demonstrations into practice and splinted the injured leg and then, due to the possibility of a spinal injury, placed the man into their vacuum mattress. This is a specialised piece of equipment designed to protect a casualty’s entire body and is normally carried by mountain rescue teams rather than the more common spinal boards as casualties that mountain rescue encounter may well be encased for prolonged periods and the mattress is far more comfortable for the injured person and far more suitable for difficult terrain.

The man was then transported to Derby City Hospital by East Midlands Ambulance service, where he was diagnosed as having a fracture of the fibula.

A team spokesman said: “It was lucky that our members and equipment were close to hand and that so many other resources were available on scene. We wish the man a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him jump in a future display – but without the dramatic ending”.