24 Hours in A&E

52-year-old retired firefighter John is rushed to A&E by helicopter after being accidently hit in the face by a golf club. The golf club hit him so hard that it snapped. John lost consciousness and is in an induced coma. With a suspected critical head injury, John is sent straight for a CT scan. John’s wife Allison is by his side. “John was in the fire brigade for 32 years. He would put his life on the line to save someone,” says Allison. “And then he goes off to play golf and ends up…” As doctors assess the seriousness of John’s head injuries, they are also concerned that his right eye isn’t reacting as it should and he’s weak down the right side of his body, which could indicate further problems. They decide to wake him from his coma. 77-year-old Joan has come to St George’s after falling down the stairs at home and hurting her leg. As she waits to be treated, Joan talks about growing up in Camberwell. “Sixteen children, my mum had. And she was the eldest of 22 children. My mum and dad just put it down to there was no television!” says Joan.