As we approach the summer season, the medical team at Air Ambulance NI are preparing to be called out more frequently by air with the increase in daylight hours.
Glenn O’Rorke, Operational Lead said, ‘Increased daylight hours can mean the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) respond to more incidents by air and the profile of what the team responds to can change with the time of year. In spring and summer, we predict accidents from increased sporting activity, farming and outdoor work, both domestic and commercial as well as serious road traffic collision. When the HEMS team aren’t on a mission, we train for scenarios that may arise, to hone our skills and ensure we are as ready as we can be for the next patient. Each mission relies on fundraising for the aircraft to lift off.’
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is encouraging individuals, workplaces and friend or family groups throughout Northern Ireland to get active and clock up miles over a one month period to raise funds for missions in its ‘Miles for Missions’ challenge.
Amy Henshaw, Regional Fundraising Coordinator for the charity commented, ‘Choose your month, your activity and your distance. Whether it’s walking, running, swimming or cycling 30, 50, 75 or 100 miles in one month, your participation will help raise funds for the next critical mission and could save a life. Registration is easy through our website and we’ll send your fundraising and support pack including an air ambulance branded t-shirt. It’s not only the medical crew who saves lives, but the people who support the service. That’s why we are asking if you can go the distance for Air Ambulance NI and clock up your miles for missions this upcoming June, July or August.’
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI) is your local charity that provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS). The medical team provides urgent, pre-hospital care to some of the most critically ill or injured patients across the province. Since HEMS began in July 2017, the team have attended to over 3,434 missions.
Amy added, ‘Taking part is completely free, we only ask each person to try and raise a minimum of £100. Each day, Air Ambulance NI needs to raise £6,850, equating to £2.5 million a year to keep the medical team in the air. Your fundraising and support will contribute to one of many costs – it might be fuel, a flight suit, specialist hangar equipment, a flight helmet or helicopter rental and insurance.’
By taking on ‘Miles for Missions’ you will support patients like Hannah Babe from Belleeks Co. Armagh who was just 20 years old when on her way to college she had a serious road traffic collision, after her car collided with a lorry. Hannah was trapped in the car, sustaining critical injuries including a fractured skull, brain bleed, fractured pelvis, and broken bones. Thanks to many and including the quick response of the HEMS crew and critical care at scene, Hannah has now recovered well and is back attending college.
Starting your mission is quick and easy! Simply click here to register for ‘Miles for Missions’ or check out the charity’s many other upcoming events including abseils, skydives, dragon boat races and supercar extravaganza.
