A police officer was thrown 15 metres from his motorbike into a dry-stone wall during a horror crash in North Yorkshire. 

Ben Ashe, 30, was just 0.4 miles into a bike ride in Hampsthwaite, Nidderdale after work with a friend when his journey took a devastating turn.

Ben While navigating a narrow 60mph lane, he collided with a car, the force of which threw him over 15 metres from his bike, catapulting him from his bike, and hitting his head on a dry-stone wall of a residential garden.

Ben with paramedics around himBen with paramedics around him (Image: YORKSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE) A concerned Dutch couple, on holiday in the UK and staying at the property, overheard the accident occur, along with Ben’s friend and fellow biker, called emergency services, staying by his side.

Initially unconscious on impact, when Ben regained consciousness, he explained how he felt dizzy and was sick in his helmet, alarming 999 call takers who feared he could have a serious head injury.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance's critical care paramedics, Sam and Becky, were dispatched to the scene, flying 28 miles from their RAF Topcliffe air base in Thirsk.

Paramedics checking on Ben's conditionParamedics checking on Ben's condition (Image: YORKSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE) They arrived prepared for the range of serious injuries often seen in motorcyclists, who are 50 times more likely to be killed in accidents compared to car drivers.

While on route, Sam said: “For someone with life-threatening symptoms like this, a head injury of this nature, is at the top of our priority list”.

Upon arrival, a land ambulance crew was already at the scene and was conducting a primary assessment of Ben’s injuries, who was now conscious but disoriented, struggling to breathe, and experiencing severe pain in his shoulder, hip, and neck.

Ben's bike following the crashBen's bike following the crash (Image: YORKSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE) Ben’s protective riding gear, including a helmet, leathers, gloves, and a back protector, was vital in reducing the severity of his injuries.

Sam added: “We attend a huge number of motorcycle accidents, and there’s a vast difference between people who wear protective clothing and those who don’t. In this case, it reduced the injuries Ben would have had”.

Transferring Ben onto a stretcher, they moved him into the land ambulance, where they could provide further care in a more private environment.

The team administered advanced treatments, including morphine for pain relief and tranexamic acid (TXA) to help stem potential internal bleeding caused by the impact of the collision.

Once in the ambulance, paramedics were relieved to see Ben's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) improve, indicating he had become more alert and responsive compared to his initial assessment.

The YAA team coordinated with the land ambulance crew to transfer Ben to the nearest major trauma centre, Leeds General Infirmary, by road for further care.

This also allowed the YAA helicopter to remain on standby for any other potential life-threatening emergencies.

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At the hospital, scans revealed Ben suffered a broken shoulder, a dislocation of his first right rib, damage to his right AC joint, and a partially collapsed lung, alongside significant bruising.

Ben spent three nights in hospital before returning home on crutches and is now recovering with regular physiotherapy sessions.

Reflecting on the incident, he said, “I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who helped me that day—from the YAA team to the ambulance crews, and the doctors and nurses at LGI. The speed and professionalism with which they all responded truly made a difference and gave me the best chance at recovery”.

Ben added: “I can’t stress enough how important protective gear is. If I hadn’t been wearing mine, the injuries could have been much worse, or even fatal. It saved my life, and I’d urge every motorcyclist to wear the proper gear”.