A Peterhead man's near-fatal cliff jump accident underscores the vital role of emergency responders.
In a harrowing incident that unfolded during a family holiday in Aviemore, a 28-year-old optician from Peterhead, Harris Hamilton, faced a life-altering moment when a cliff jump went tragically wrong. The adventure, intended to be a fun-filled day of white-water tubing on the River Feshie, turned into a nightmare as Hamilton miscalculated his jump, resulting in a severe injury that left him fearing he would never walk again.
The accident
Harris Hamilton’s ill-fated leap into the water was marked by a catastrophic stumble that sent him crashing into a jagged rock face. “I fought my way to the surface and shouted – ‘help, my leg, it’s snapped, it’s snapped’,” he recounted, vividly recalling the moment he felt his leg break upon impact.
Witnesses described hearing a “sickening crunch” as he struck the rocks, prompting immediate concern from family members and instructors present at the scene.
The rescue operation
As Hamilton struggled to stay conscious, those around him quickly dialed emergency services. A multi-agency response was initiated, involving water rescue teams from the fire service, paramedics, Mountain Rescue, and HM Coastguard. Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) was also dispatched, bringing a specialized doctor-led trauma team to the scene. The rescue teams faced significant challenges due to the steep rocky banks and downstream rapids, complicating their efforts to extract Hamilton safely.
Despite the difficult conditions, rescuers worked tirelessly to provide Hamilton with pain relief and assess his injuries. Upon cutting into his wetsuit, they discovered a bleeding open fracture, raising concerns about potential infection. “There seemed to be dozens of emergency service workers, all trying to find a way to get me out of the water without causing me serious harm,” Hamilton recalled, expressing gratitude for the teamwork and dedication displayed by the rescuers.
The aftermath and recovery
Once safely transported to the hospital, Hamilton underwent a double operation, which included stitches, skin grafts, and the insertion of a rod into his tibia. “It’s been a lengthy process, but the prognosis is great,” he stated, optimistic about regaining full mobility in his leg in the coming months. However, he admitted to grappling with night terrors, often reflecting on the “what ifs” of that fateful day.
Hamilton’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role that emergency services play in life-threatening situations. “I truly believe that without the care everyone showed at every stage – but primarily the doctor and paramedic team with SCAA – I would have faced a very different outcome,” he emphasized. His story not only highlights the risks associated with adventurous activities but also underscores the importance of prompt and effective emergency response.
