Imogen has been well-supported by her school with fundraising efforts following her medical incident.
A medical incident required a swift response from our crew for A level student Imogen
In March 2024, Imogen Hodson was on an field trip to Slapton, south Devon, enjoying the chance to learn outside the classroom with her peers. Though she had a history of non-epileptic seizures and asthma, she was looking forward to the trip and felt well enough to participate with a thorough and very specific risk assessment in place.
During the trip, Imogen began to feel seriously unwell. She experienced chest pains and her condition quickly deteriorated. Recognising the urgency, a member of the teaching staff took her aside from the group. What followed was an incredibly challenging four and a half hours of seizures.
Emergency services were called immediately. A community first responder arrived swiftly, followed by a land ambulance. Given the severity of the situation, Devon Air Ambulance was also dispatched for their critical care expertise. Imogen recalls, ‘I think they were going to airlift me, but they wouldn’t be able to land at the hospital due to the bad weather.’ Instead, the land ambulance drove to meet the air ambulance crew en route.
The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) team alerted the hospital to prepare for Imogen’s arrival. ‘When I woke up in the ambulance, I was very confused’, Imogen said. ‘The Devon Air Ambulance paramedics were so lovely. There were two of them with me in the ambulance.’
Though she had experienced emergency responses before, Imogen noted that the Devon crew stood out.
I’ve had HEMS called out for me all over the country, but the crew in Devon were particularly kind and caring. It didn’t feel like they were just doing their job – they really cared and made a huge difference. One of them held my hand the whole way.
At the time, Imogen had undiagnosed asthma and a skin condition that caused a hive-like rash, leading responders to suspect anaphylaxis. Her school contacted her mum, who was staying with family nearby due to Imogen’s complex medical history. She met Imogen at Torbay Hospital, where they spent the night before being discharged and referred to their local hospital – a four-hour drive away.
Since the incident, Imogen’s school has rallied in support of the services that helped her. ‘My school were great,’ she said. ‘We did a mufty (non-uniform) day and a Valentine’s Day sale to raise money for Devon Air Ambulance and Community First Responders. Lots of people participated and their parents were very generous with their donations.’
Imogen said, ‘I will be forever grateful for the medical care and support I received on what was one of the scariest days of my life’.
Imogen’s experience is a testament to the importance of quick-thinking educators, dedicated emergency responders, and the power of community support. Thank you, Imogen, for sharing your story with us.
Have you been assisted by Devon Air Ambulance? If you would like to share your story with us we would love to hear from you.
