Air Ambulance charities across the country are once again coming together to celebrate National Air Ambulance Week (#NAAW2018) which takes place between 10th – 16th September 2018.
The UK’s air ambulance charities are funded by the generosity of the public and treat over 25,000 patients throughout the year. Operational every single day, these 21 charities operate 39 aircraft and are deployed to treat the most critically ill or seriously injured patients in their time of need.
Across the UK, an air ambulance is deployed every 10 minutes; essentially bringing the hospital to the patient, no matter their location. Many carry and administer blood products which drastically improve the chances of a patient getting to hospital alive, whilst they also undertake a number of critical inter-hospital transfers every year.
With many of the charities investing funds to expand their operations, increasing their operating hours to provide night HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) missions, upgrading to larger aircrafts, enhancing their medical capability and investing in the advanced education and training of their paramedics and doctors, there is no better time to show your support.
Paula Martin, Chair of the Association of Air Ambulances said:
“Across every region in the UK, air ambulances deliver a truly wonderful service. I am extremely proud to be part of this community and witness first-hand the work that all our HEMS teams undertake every day. National Air Ambulance Week is the ideal time to support your local air ambulance. Many of the charities hold fundraising events or use the week to highlight and promote the work they do in the community. To find the air ambulance charity which operates in your area or for more information on the Association of Air Ambulances, please visit: www.aoaa.org.uk“
NAAW is an initiative created by the Association of Air Ambulances (AAA) and celebrates the work of local air ambulance charities, giving them a national voice and an opportunity to promote the work they do at a local level.
