MISSIONS flown by Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) show the service is more vital than ever.
The number of call outs in 2014 increased by more than 100 compared to the previous year. WNAA attended 917 missions, with July the busiest month with 99 missions.
Road traffic accidents accounted for nearly half of all the call outs, followed by medical emergencies and sports injuries. Crews also attended industrial incidents, falls, and other serious injuries.
Philippa Gibbs, Critical Care Paramedic, said: “We attended more accidents and emergencies last year than for several years prior. We can’t be everywhere, but we strive to be available whenever we can be to help save lives and improve patient recovery.”
Last year also saw a big increase in the number of Community Volunteers fund-raising and helping to promote the life-saving work of the air ambulance – which as a charity receives no Government funding and relies entirely on public on public generosity, volunteers and donations to keep helicopters flying. Each mission WNAA goes out on costs around £1,700.
Jo Payne, National Volunteering Manager, said: “We can’t do our vital work without the help of our volunteers. We will be continuing our recruitment throughout 2015 to build our volunteer numbers and ensure we have supporter groups actively working in all key areas.”
To volunteer or donate to the service, call 08454 130999 or visit www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk and click ‘Get Involved’.
