Jordan Sinclair, 19
Jordan Sinclair (now 19) from Hinckley, Leicestershire, was
attended by the WNAA crew when she was crushed by a horse
while mounting in a car park at a horse show. A WNAA doctor went
with her in a land ambulance and played a vital role in her
pre-hospital care....
"I was at a show jumping competition in Bulkington,
Warwickshire. As I mounted, the horse bolted before slipping over
and crushing me as I fell. This resulted in 12 broken ribs, nerve
damage and a broken clavicle.
"I remember the accident itself, until I hit the ground. 10 days
later, I woke up in ICU. So I have been told, on the day, at the
scene, the Air Ambulance team administered emergency treatment,
including putting me to sleep and inserting two chest drains. I
arrived at the hospital and was immediately taken through for a CT
scan, which identified my injuries. I have since received the
report, which outlines "massive chest trauma". This includes a
punctured lung, punctured bronchi (windpipe), collapsed lung and 12
broken ribs. On the right hand side, 7 ribs were broken 2 or 3
times each, resulting in a flail segment. Further breaks were seen
in 5 ribs on the left hand side. I had also broken my collar bone,
which was later plated, and I have damaged a region of my sciatic
nerve, which has reduced the movement in my left foot. I was kept
asleep, on a ventilator (life support) for 10 days and spent 2
weeks in Critical Care in total. After being woken up, the doctors
realised I was still struggling to breathe and had to insert a
tracheostomy. After a week on a step-down ward, this was removed. I
was in hospital for a total of 4 weeks.
"After coming home, I had a series of follow-up appointments
with various specialists. I've had nerve-induction tests at UHCW
and was then referred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital
(Stanmore) in London about my foot. I've been told that nerves
repair really slowly, and it should heal itself over time. However,
if no improvement is seen within six months, surgery may be
necessary. I have been discharged from the fracture clinic with
regards to my collar bone and will have the plate removed in 6
months time. The cardio-thoracic team seem to be happy with how my
ribs are healing.
"I was on a lot of pain-relief for a while (morphine for
2-3months) and only now, 4 months down the line, am allowed to
start restoring normality. I can't run because of my foot, so
returning to playing Hockey is going to have to wait a while.
"I wanted to go to University this year to study Veterinary
Medicine, but had to defer the year to ensure I will be in full
health when the course starts. I was also unable to complete my
final A Level exams because of the side effects of the
morphine.
"I've been able to help out where possible and get involved in
horsey events, even though I haven't actually ridden yet. I'm not
allowed to ride until I have an air jacket, which has been ordered.
So as soon as that arrives, I will be jumping straight back on.
Riding is my passion and nothing could put me off.
"I have also started volunteering at the local Air Ambulance
shop (Hinckley). I have returned to my part-time job as a waitress
at Barcelo Hinckley Island hotel. I will return to John Cleveland
College in February (after January modular exams) to finish my A
Levels. Glasgow University have held my place open to study
Veterinary Medicine, so I will be able to go next year, subject to
exam results."
After her accident, Jordan spent the summer volunteering at
the DLRAA Hinckley Charity Shop as a way of giving something back
to the charity.