Published: December 11, 2011
Horse rider air-lifted to hospital after accident on Berrow Beach

A woman was air-lifted to hospital from Berrow beach on Sunday (December 11th) after suffering suspected back injuries when she was thrown from her horse.

Two people - a man and a woman - were hurt when both their horses bolted after being startled while being ridden along the sands between the Berrow shipwreck and Burnham's low lighthouse.

An ambulance and crews from Burnham Coastguards and BARB (Burnham Area Rescue Boat) were called to the scene at around 11.30am to help them, as pictured here.

"Due to concern about the lady's condition, a Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance landed on the beach and air-lifted her to Weston Hospital for treatment," Burnham Coastguard Ian Jefferies told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

Burnham Coastguard Station Officer Steve Bird added: "This was a good example of a multi-agency incident where the crews worked closely together to help the casualties as quickly as possible."

The Coastguard and BARB crews ensured the helicopter could safely land and take off and also helped take the lady to the air ambulance.

The second casualty, a man, was not seriously hurt and was treated by ambulance crew at the scene.