Orthopaedic surgeon airlifted after coast fall

An orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in treating broken ankles "unexpectedly became the casualty himself" after suffering a fall on a coast walk.

Professor Chris Lavy, an Oxford NHS consultant and orthopaedic surgeon was on a four-day walk in south Cornwall with eight friends when he slipped in wet conditions and had to be airlifted to hospital.

He explained that he saw a sheep in a nearby field and called his labrador over to put his lead on when he slipped. "I knew immediately that I'd broken my ankle," he said.

Martin Cocks said of the St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team said: "Unfortunately, given the thick mud and weather we've had, coastal paths can quickly become dangerous."

The group of friends were walking between the villages of Par and Fowey in January when Lavy fell.

"My leg crumpled and I heard crack, crack, crack. I knew immediately that I'd broken my ankle."

He said: "As a trauma surgeon I am used to assessing situations and managing the team but it was wonderful to be on the receiving end with others making the decisions.

"The team were so kind, explaining everything and keeping me warm and safe. "

He added: "It was a bit frightening being winched up and very windy but the professionalism of the team gave me confidence."

Cocks said: "Chris had exactly the right footwear and was well-equipped, but handling dogs under slippery conditions can lead to accidents."

He explained that the remote location, along with teh nature of the injury, made an "extraction by foot difficult" so an HM Coastguard rescue helicopter was called in.

X-rays later confirmed a trimalleolar fracture - involving breaks to the inner, outer, and rear ankle bones.

Lavy said: "For someone who's probably treated hundreds of broken ankles in their time, it was interesting to experience firsthand."

After surgery and while recovering he sent a letter of thanks to the team which Cocks said " lifted spirits and now takes pride of place at the Coastguard station".

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