A dramatic farm accident involving a Cambridgeshire man will be brought to national audiences in a new BBC One documentary series airing later this month.
Farm 999, presented by Steph McGovern, launches on 30 March at 10:15am and explores the hidden dangers faced by rural communities across the UK. The first episode features Wisbech farmer Jonathan Willis, whose life was saved after a horrific accident involving heavy machinery.
Horror incident on Wisbech farm
Mr Willis was impaled by a forklift tine while working on his farm, suffering catastrophic injuries when the metal spike entered his lower back and exited through his abdomen. The incident posed an immediate threat to major organs and blood vessels, making rapid medical intervention critical.
East Anglian Air Ambulance crews from the Cambridge base were dispatched by helicopter, bringing advanced critical care directly to the scene.
Complex rescue operation
Critical Care Paramedic Andy Bates, who also appears in the programme, was part of the team that treated Mr Willis. Working alongside ambulance, police and fire crews, the team spent around 45 minutes stabilising him and coordinating a highly complex extrication.
Mr Willis was then transported to hospital for emergency surgery.
Family’s emotional tribute
Speaking about the incident, his wife Wendy Willis described the ordeal as “like living my worst nightmare.”
She said: “We know that without the enhanced skills of the air ambulance team that day Jonathan wouldn’t have made it to hospital. They took control of the situation and made all the right decisions.
“We were then so incredibly lucky that Jonathan had one of the best surgeons in the country leading his operation. The Addenbrooke’s team quite literally worked miracles.”
Mr Willis later returned home to his wife and their five children.
Charity powered by public support
East Anglian Air Ambulance operates without regular government funding, relying entirely on donations to fund its lifesaving missions. Following the incident, the Willis family has raised more than £110,000 for the charity.
The service provides hospital-level care at the scene, including blood transfusions, anaesthesia and emergency procedures, significantly improving survival chances for critically injured patients.
Raising awareness through television
Produced by Stellify Media, Farm 999 aims to shed light on the realities of rural emergencies and the vital role of emergency responders.
The series will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
