Sam Courtney from Newtownards suffered life-altering injuries in a single-car collision on a country road while driving to work in Bangor in September 2021. His vehicle left the road, struck a water pump, and hit a tree. Off-duty Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service staff arrived first and summoned emergency services.

Courtney sustained a head injury with a brain bleed on the brain stem, multiple fractures, and pelvis damage. He remained in a coma for weeks and spent a month in intensive care at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. He underwent surgeries on his head, legs, hips, and pelvis before transfer to Musgrave Park Hospital for rehabilitation, where he relearned to walk.

The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, operated through a partnership between Air Ambulance NI Charity and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, attended the scene. A doctor and paramedic team provides interventions at such incidents to boost survival and recovery odds for major trauma patients. The helicopter reaches speeds of about 180mph.

Four years later, Courtney participates in mixed ability rugby after a physio's suggestion and receives support from the Cedar Foundation for his brain injury. He continues with medical appointments, including treatment for double vision in one eye. The charity requires £8,200 daily in funds to operate the service, which deploys on average twice per day.