Shrewsbury midwife seriously injured in cow attack

Emma Smith, who previously worked at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, suffered serious chest wounds and crushed ribs in the attack as the cows tried to protect their young calves.

The 38-year-old was crossing a field when her dog Bell disturbed a herd.

She was knocked to the ground by the cows, who repeatedly fell on her with the intention of crushing her. She had to drag herself across the field to safety while covered in blood and falling in and out of conciousness as the terrifying attack continued.

Her injuries from the attack included broken ribs and wrists, and punctured her lungs.

Ms Smith, who is still in hospital, said today: "I've never seen cows act like that before. This must never happen to anyone else again."

Former colleagues from the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, where Ms Smith has been working since 2008, said today they had been "devastated" to hear news of the accident.

Maggie Kennerley, lead midwife at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: "Emma had only just left us, and we were aware of this tragic accident. It's really sad and we've all been pretty devastated.

"We've been following her progress and lots of people have sent cards. The midwives who worked closely with Emma have been in regular contact with her mum to keep us updated continually. We all wish her a speedy recovery and hope she gets back to doing the job she loves as soon as possible."

The incident happened last month in Cornwall. Miss Smith had recently moved back to the county to work as a midwife at the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Truro.

On the evening of June 18, she had taken Bell out for a walk and passed through a field near her parents' home at St Martin on the Lizard on a public right of way.

The herd originally took no notice of her or the dog until one ran over, followed by others.

Her mother Susan Moody said her daughter sustained "life-changing injuries" and has called for a law change to warn walkers of the dangers of entering fields containing cows with calves.

"Emma assessed the situation and said the cows looked up but took no notice of her or her dog," she said. "She was just over halfway across the field when a cow started to run towards her, followed by many others."

Ms Smith let go of Bell, telling her to run, as she was surrounded by the herd.

"The cows weren't going to stop," said her mother. "One charged from behind and she was tossed in the air.

"She managed to get up after this but she was charged yet again, from the front this time. After she regained consciousness, she became aware different cows were dropping themselves on top of her – presumably with the intention of crushing her. She managed to crawl away between episodes of unconsciousness."

Mrs Moody said her daughter's dog returned to her side as she staggered down a path seeking help.

A neighbour saw her and called the emergency services, with a Navy search and rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose being called to take her to hospital.

Mrs Moody said: "Her life is on hold for a year at least, we've been told. She's sustained life-changing injuries. Emma is a very experienced, dedicated midwife and hopes to return to her job."

She added: "There was a standard NFU sign at the entrance to the field informing walkers to keep dogs on a lead and to let the dog go if chased by cattle, exactly what Emma did.

"If only there had been a warning sign that cows with calves could be dangerous, then Emma wouldn't have entered the field.

"These recommendations should become law to ensure no other family has to go through what we've had to contend with."