A biker involved in a horrific crash has met the air ambulance crew who saved his life. Dave Haines, from Lyneham in Wiltshire, lost 36 pints of blood and was left with severe leg injuries but, despite doctors' worst fears, he survived and is now back on his feet.

It has taken him four years, but the 26-year-old was determined to thank the paramedics for saving his life.

In 2004, Mr Haines was riding along the A420 in Bristol when he was involved in a collision with a car.

He was thrown across the bonnet and onto the floor. His leg was almost severed and he was left bleeding profusely. Despite this he never lost consciousness and can recall being helped into the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

He said: "I can remember the impact and the horrible noise of bones going. I remember going over the top of the car and I remember lying there and someone talking to me. I can't really remember what they were saying. It was like I was wearing ear muffs. I was wearing full protective gear and I'm told I took my helmet off. Then I remember hearing the helicopter. I wasn't 100 per cent sure what was going on."

Mr Haines, who works for Network Rail, was taken to Bath's Royal United Hospital by air, which took about seven minutes – almost half an hour less than a road ambulance would have taken.

He was taken straight into theatre where surgeons battled to stem the bleeding and save his left leg. Doctors and police warned his family to expect the worst but thankfully their son pulled through.

Mr Haines was later transferred to Bristol Royal Infirmary, where he spent a further four weeks. Now, he is walking again with the help of a stick and has regained some of the strength in the leg he feels so lucky to still have.

Meeting the crew last Wednesday, Mr Haines said he was overwhelmed with how friendly everyone was.

He said: "I think I was quite aggressive when I got in the helicopter, waving my arms around and stuff. It must've been the adrenaline. They did and still do an excellent job. There's a lot of people in Wiltshire and adjoining counties who wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the air ambulance.

"I would not be here if it wasn't for them. There's no way anyone else would have got me to a hospital quickly enough.

"Ever since the crash I have donated to the air ambulance appeal."

A spokesman for the air ambulance said it was always wonderful when they met someone they had previously helped.

"Often the road traffic incidents we are called out to are fatal and so it's really good to meet people who have made a recovery," the spokesman said.

To donate to the service, visit www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk.