A WOMAN involved in a head on crash admitted she thought she was "going to die."

This was the stark recollection of Celine McCusker, who spoke from her hospital bed on the trauma of a serious collision near Enniskillen on Monday evening. 

Celine, a well-known local postwoman, was travelling home from work at around 5pm when the head-on crash on the Tempo Road occurred. 

Trapped in her car, covered in blood and in severe pain, the Tempo woman said she didn't know if she would survive. 

"I thought I was sent for," Celine said. "There was blood everywhere. I thought I was going to die."

"You hear of accidents where people don't leave the scene. I thought that was me.

"It's scary, when you are sitting in that car, waiting for someone to come and help you. It's beyond words."

But help soon arrived.

First on the scene was an off-duty A&E nurse from a nearby residential development, who kept Celine calm until emergency services arrived.

"She (the nurse) was a true Florence Nightingale," Celine said. "She was there straight away. She took my pulse, and kept me calm. She was a hero."

Before long, ambulance crews, paramedics and Fire Service personnel arrived. 

Celine was cut out of the car, and the charity Air Ambulance took her to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. 

Meanwhile, a man, and two other woman, who were also involved in the collision, required treatment in hospital.

"I can't even remember being brought onto the Air Ambulance," Celine continued. "I was away with the fairies at that stage. I was visualising stuff that wasn't real. It was an out-of-world experience."

Since Monday, Celine has been receiving round-the-clock care in Belfast for multiple injuries, including broken ribs, fractures to her neck, and countless cuts and bruises.

Yesterday (Wednesday) she received surgery for a broken wrist. 

"I am very lucky, I know I am. I am so lucky," she said. "It's been a scary experience, but it could have been much, much worse. 

"I am thankful that I only sustained these injuries. I was lucky to get away with rib damage. I thought I would have internal bleeding; heaven knows the damage that would have done."

Celine has paid tribute to the medical staff who have assisted her in recent days, as well as the charity Air Ambulance which swiftly transported her to the hospital. 

"The Air Ambulance is a necessity in Fermanagh, and my story speaks volumes about that," she said.

"I have always admired the Air Ambulance, and every year myself and family donate a sizeable sum in lieu of Christmas presents.

"I always knew it was a good, worthy cause; but you don't understand just how important it is until you need it yourself. "

Celine continued: "The doctors, nurses and medical staff have also been truly amazing. The care I have received has been second to none. 

"They (the doctors) deserve all the recognition they get, and more. They are vital in situations like mine. I can't thank all the medical staff enough.

Celine has also paid tribute to the local community, including Royal Mail staff and customers, for their support and well wishes in recent days. 

"The road to recovery will be long, but I will get there," Celine concluded. "Overall, it just goes to show what can happen. You think that when you go out in the morning you will get back safely; everything can change in an instant."

Police are continuing to appeal for information on the incident at the Tempo Road, Enniskillen, and have appealed to anyone with any information in relation to the incident, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 1420 20/05/24.