Thursday 1 July marks 14 years of flying and saving lives for local charity Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA).
The specialist doctors, paramedics and pilots working on the front line have responded to over 700 people in desperate need of critical care this year alone. And in April this year, the Charity attended its 10,000th patient by air, when a young male who was involved in a road traffic collision near Ringwood, Hampshire, needed pre-hospital treatment.
It costs the Charity, which receives no government funding, an average of £2,882 every time it is called out.
Leading the charge of appreciation from the Isle of Wight is 71-year-old Linda who has firsthand experience of using the service, when she suffered a devastating heart attack at her home in Godshill. The Isle of Wight Ambulance service arrived on scene and soon realised that Linda needed to be flown to the mainland for specialist treatment.
Linda says, “The experience has made me realise just how much we need them. If you have a heart attack on the Isle of Wight, because they don’t do the required procedure here, you are reliant on the Air Ambulance to get you over to the mainland as quickly as possible. Had it not been for the Air Ambulance, I don’t think I would be here today. I just wish I could remember the faces of the lovely people on board the helicopter. Covid-19 aside, I’d love to be able to give them a big hug and say thank you very much.”
Also showing their appreciation for the service is Elliott and his family from Hampshire. In June last year, HIOWAA were called to provide emergency critical care to Elliott when he collapsed on his static exercise bike at home.
Sara, Elliott’s mum, says, “I started doing CPR and we heard something overhead. ‘Is that Air Ambulance coming to us?’ we thought. Next thing we knew, the crew from HIOWAA were onsite. They ventilated Elliott and took charge of his breathing. I knew it was serious when everyone had turned up. I just want to thank them. It was quite the day, but every time I see the helicopter up in the air, I hope they are going to be able to help that person who needs them.”
HIOWAA Acting CEO, Sherie Williams Ellen, says, “Over the last 14 years, with the backing of our fabulous supporters, we have given everything to provide the very best pre-hospital care to our patients. Husband or wife, mum or dad, son or daughter; whoever they are, every patient matters. Thank you to every single person who has donated over the past 14 years; I want every one of you to know what a vital role you have played in saving another life.”
To mark its 14th birthday, the Charity has shared a short film to urge supporters to ‘Look out for us so we can look out for you’.
To help keep the Charity on the front line and saving lives, visit www.hiowaa.org
