999: Critical Condition: Model spends almost two months at UHNM following near fatal car crash.

A Staffordshire model who suffered multiple life-threatening injuries following a car crash on her way to a photo shoot will appear on Channel 5’s 999: Critical Condition, filmed at University Hospitals of North Midlands.

Rachel Downes, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, was not far from home when her car was involved in a head on collision with another car. She was trapped in the car for more than hour and rescued by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service before making her way to Royal Stoke University Hospital’s Major Trauma Centre by ambulance.

Today the part-time model, apprenticeship coach and fitness instructor said: “I don’t remember much about the crash itself and I arrived in hospital unconscious so I only know what people have told me. I had significant injuries and many of them have been life changing. I am still utilising my wheelchair, although I try to manage without and my right arm is completely restricted and I am unable to bend or straighten it fully.”

Her story will be told in the Channel 5 Documentary which was filmed exclusively at Royal Stoke and on screens on Wednesdays at 9pm. Trauma Team Leader Dr Anthony Taylor and the team in resus are seen as they race against time to stabilise her and assess the extent of her broken bones.

The 29-year-old said: “I was in hospital for a long time and was in a coma for three weeks in intensive care. When I was well enough I was moved to the trauma ward and received rehabilitation care in the Acute Rehabilitation Trauma Unit (ARTU) for several weeks before being discharged home. I am still receiving physiotherapy and hand therapy and I am in a lot of pain but it is being managed. If anything I have struggled more mentally dealing with my injuries but I am getting there.”

She added: “I still have a long way to go on my recovery and have regular follow up appointments but I am grateful for all the care I have received.”