Emergency at dog show

Soon after starting the agility show today one of our competitors collapsed  in the ring and we had to call 999. Someone started CPR and an ambulance arrived in 9 minutes with 2 paramedics who immediately called for the air ambulance which arrived 12 minutes later bringing a doctor as well as 2 more paramedics. It took them some time to stabilise the patient but he was then airlifted to the Norfolk and Norwich hospital. We had a message later that he was stable in ITU and his life had undoubtedly been saved by the CPR being started so quickly. 
The show was at the World Horse Welfare centre, Snetterton - 10 miles from Thetford and 20 from Norwich. The staff there were obviously well trained in what to do - gates and doors had to be opened for the ambulance and the horses had to be moved from the field where the helicopter landed and cones put out to mark the area. It was a foul day - thick cloud and rain all day. Fortunately the competition was indoors, in the equestrian arena, so the ambulance was able to drive right up to the patient and everyone was out of the rain. The helicopter was just a few yards away. We were all so thankful for the excellent response from the emergency service  - government funded, of course - but also for the generosity of those who give to the Air Ambulance charities who provide their support solely from donations and receive no government funding. Here we are covered by the East Anglian Air Ambulance - two helicopters -'Anglia One' based at Norwich Airport, and 'Anglia Two' based at Cambridge Airport. In such a rural area many accidents happen away from roads and the helicopters can quickly get where land ambulances can't.