A BUDDING young goalkeeper from Royston who flew ten metres into the air and broke both his wrists after being hit by a van is back to doing what he loves the most - playing between the sticks.
Oliver Watson, 12, was playing football with his friends when he decided to use his scooter to grab his friend’s boots.
However, as he tried to cross the road he was struck by a van whose view was obstructed near to his Royston home.
The impact of the collision threw him ten metres into the air - leaving him unconscious when he landed.
Oliver’s ordeal featured on last Friday’s Yorkshire Air 999 show on Quest - a new series sharing the work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
A spokesperson said: “Local paramedics quickly arrived on the scene and requested the assistance of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
“Given the close proximity of YAA’s Nostell Air Base, paramedic Sam Berridge responded in the charity’s rapid response vehicle as a precaution.
“Upon arrival, Oliver was conscious and in considerable pain, but he had not yet regained full awareness.
“Sam quickly assessed his condition and administered intranasal ketamine for fast acting pain relief while conducting a primary survey.
“Recognising the need for additional support, he requested assistance from the YAA team, who were just a short four-minute flight away with access to a greater range of drugs.
“In the back of the road ambulance, Oliver was given gas and air to help alleviate his discomfort.
“Taking advantage of the moment, Dr. Driver chatted to him about football while carefully wrapping splints around his injured wrists, providing a welcome distraction.
“Despite his injuries, Oliver was concerned about others involved in the accident, asking about the van driver and showing remarkable compassion for someone so young.”
Oliver was subsequently transported to Sheffield Children’s Hospital after he became stable.
A full paediatric team were on hand to take over his care and it was revealed that he had severe bilateral wrist fractures.
But after 12 weeks on the substitute bench, Oliver is now back to doing what he loves the most - playing football.
He said: “Right before it happened, I saw something out of the corner of my eye and put my hand up in front of my head since I wasn’t wearing a helmet. I
“I feel lucky to have got away with just two broken wrists.
“I couldn’t shower, eat, or write by myself, which was really tough.
“But the hardest part was not being able to kick a ball.
“Luckily the accident happened at the end of the season, giving me time to heal.
“Now I am back, and it feels amazing to be in the goal, saving shots again.”
