My name is Paul Foote, I live in Whakatane and run a waste and transport operation in Kawerau.

I was working at the workshop and one of the forklifts had a fault, so I went to have a look at it. I propped it to be able to work on it safely and the 700kg forklift attachment came off.

I tried to run out of its way, but it came down and landed on my legs. The guys were able to put some pipes under it to lift it and I was pulled out. I didn’t see the blood myself, but apparently there was a lot of it.

Fortunately, one of the guys had old school first aid skills and he put a tourniquet on as we waited for the ambulance and helicopter to arrive.

The ambulance called is a stat one trauma, which is an immediate life threat. When the helicopter came to the scene, it was apparent that I was going to need blood and surgery immediately. They loaded me up and off we went.

I had lost 50 percent of my blood. The flight paramedic was having to tell the helicopter pilot to fly faster. They had to fly to Tauranga Hospital because they couldn’t make it to Waikato Hospital as it was too far.

Once they got me to hospital, they there was a big trauma surgery team there and blood products ready to go. While my right leg was amputated above the knee as a result of the injuries I sustained, I wouldn’t be here today if that blood had not been available straightaway.

We’re all one big family, so I really appreciate what blood donors do. It’s a huge gift that you give.