It’s a day that is special to so many of us around the world. But for our doctors, dispatchers, pilots and paramedics, they will be ready and responding to the most severely ill and injured people in the region. Wherever and whenever they are needed.
Last December, your support meant we were dispatched to 193 potentially life-saving call-outs, including 19 over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
There for you this Christmas
Part of the team who will be working over the festive period is Specialist Paramedic Lead John Gamblin, who has been flying with us since 2010.
Specialist Paramedic Lead John Gamblin
John said: “We’ve had some pretty horrific Christmas Days in the past with some nasty trauma incidents in particular – such as people getting caught out by adverse road conditions.
“It’s always tough because people are expecting to spend Christmas Day with their family, and they certainly don’t expect it to be the worst day of their lives.”
A life saved
One of those was to 61-year-old Helen Mclaren, who suffered life-threatening injuries in a stabbing attack from her husband at the time.
Helen had stab wounds to her chest, which punctured her heart, and to her arm. She was critically ill.
“My girls were told they didn’t know whether they could save me or not. I was distraught by that. What must they have been going through? Even now we still can’t believe it happened.”
Helen’s daughter, Indya, added: “Without the care from the Air Ambulance crew, she wouldn’t be here now.”
Christmas on base
Working from our Airbase in Thruxton, Andover, the crew do all they can to mark the occasion between call-outs.
“We get into the spirit of things but we’re aware that we’re at work on Christmas Day, so we at least try to have a good breakfast together and maybe a Christmas dinner if we get the opportunity. We just try and make it as normal a day as possible,” said John.
Day and night, 365 days a year, the team are ready to bring the hospital to your side – from cardiac arrests and falls from height to any other unexpected event, we’re there for you.
Saving lives through your support
John, along with the rest of the team, is very aware that they can only respond to each patient thanks of the kindness and support from people like you.
He said: “This time of year makes you realise how important family and being part of a community is. We’re incredibly grateful, privileged in fact, to be here on Christmas Day serving the people in our region who need us.
“Most importantly, we’re only able to be there for those patients because of the goodwill of the people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Thank you to everyone who support us.”
A Christmas thank you – Specialist Critical Care Paramedic Oliver Saddler
“Christmas and the festive season can mean different things to all of us.
“I usually spend a bit of time thinking about what has happened over the last year and considering the months to come. What I am not always very good at is thinking about the present.
“This year I have the privilege of working a late shift with a good friend and colleague in ambulance control, where we will be screening calls to see whether our team can offer assistance to the public and ambulance crews who are also on duty.
“I don’t feel like working on Christmas Day is a sacrifice; working as part of the crew on Christmas Day is not a difficult job to do because of our brilliant team that I’m proud to be a member of. There are many people who give things up at Christmas for all sorts of reasons and many of them not out of choice.
“The past 12 months have been tumultuous. Indeed, those of you who kindly sacrifice time, money and energy on keeping our service running should take a moment to consider the present.
“Without your help, the team here would not be able to deliver such an important service for our patients both today and year-round.
“So, with heartfelt wishes, I would like to wish you and those close to you a peaceful Christmas.”
