Cosford air ambulance crew receives Pride award for saving pregnant mum stabbed 24 times
A Shropshire-based helicopter crew who saved a pregnant woman's life after she was stabbed 24 times have been presented with a Pride of Birmingham Award.
Midlands Air Ambulance critical care paramedics Steven Mitchell and Karen Baker, along with pilot Richard Steele accepted the award last week.
The trio flew out of RAF Cosford after receiving a 999 call to help Natalie Queiroz, from Sutton Coldfield, who was stabbed when she was eight months pregnant.
The crew were nominated for the Pride of Birmingham Emergency Services Award for their "heroism and incredible skill under extreme pressure".
Natalie paid an emotional tribute to them on the evening, thanking them for their quick work saving both her and her unborn baby.
She said: "My baby and I would not be here today if it was not for the Midlands Air Ambulance, and my other two daughters would not have their mum or little sister. Thank you will never be enough."
After receiving the initial 999 call, Helimed03 from the RAF Cosford airbase was immediately despatched to the scene with a three-strong crew
Pilot Richard landed the helicopter safely on the High Street, as close to the patient as possible, and once mother and the unborn baby were stabilised at the scene, Natalie was in the air ambulance on her way to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
A journey which would have taken more than 30 minutes in a land ambulance, took just eight minutes by air.
Immediately upon arrival, Natalie underwent an emergency C-section alongside major surgery to repair damage to her heart, lungs, liver, wrist and abdomen and both mother and baby survived.
As well as meeting the air crew at the awards, held at Birmingham University, Natalie has visited the charity's base at RAF Cosford.
The air crew joined by Natalie, received their award at the dinner, hosted by TV presenter and campaigner Katie Piper, and attended by some of the region's biggest stars.
The victim's then partner Babur Karamat Raja was jailed for 18 years for attempted murder, attempted child destruction and wounding passers-by who tried to help her.
To find out more about the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity visit midlandsairambulance.com
