Lifesaving Notts service doubles its hours

The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance plans to increase its hours from 7am to 7pm seven days a week to a 24/7 service.

Chief executive Karen Jobling said: “Emergencies don’t stop at 7pm and nor will we. Thanks to our fantastic supporters, we are now in a position to fund the extension of our service and provide advanced clinical care to the people of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“This extended service won’t happen overnight, but the wheels are already in motion towards the provision of a 24/7 helicopter emergency service for the communities we serve by the end of the year.”

2017 was a busy year for the charity as not only did it take delivery of a new, state-of-the-art AgustaWestland 169 helicopter, but it also began to carry blood on board for the first time - advancements that have proven to be of great benefit to the pre-hospital critical care it provides.

As well as the helicopter, the charity boasts a rapid response vehicle, which can quickly transport a critical care paramedic and pre-hospital care doctor to a patient - carrying the same life-saving equipment as the air ambulance.

Dr Susan Dashey, joint clinical lead for Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance, said: “I am delighted that we are gearing up to extend our pre-hospital emergency medical service.

“Trauma, serious illness, and cardiac arrests can happen anytime, day or night and, working with our partner East Midlands Ambulance Service, we have identified the need for an extended critical care capability in our area.

“It’s tremendous news that the charity can continue to build upon its strong foundations of excellent clinical care in this way.”

Increasing the hours it flies requires not only careful planning, but also significant investment - with additional crew, increased training, more aviation fuel and more medical supplies needed.

The cost to provide a 24-hour service will increase from £2.5m per year to around £4m.

To support the charity’s efforts, contact the fundraising team on 01522 548469, alternatively people can donate via the website www.ambucopter.org.uk/donate.

Visit the air ambulance Facebook page www.facebook.com/Ambucopter/ or follow @LNAACT on Twitter.