Fuel is an essential part of making sure the Air Ambulance can reach the scene of a life-threatening emergency anywhere in Northern Ireland. However, as a charity, it isn’t immune to the global price hikes in fuel.

In the past three months, Air Ambulance NI has experienced a 70% increase in its fuel bill due to global market pressures and ongoing geopolitical instability, which has created an unprecedented strain on its operational budget.

In the past year, the local charity has used over 100,000 Litres of Jet A1 Aviation fuel to power the helicopter in its delivery of critical pre-hospital care. The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) is called out on average twice per day.

However, this April was their busiest month of the year so far, with the consultant and paramedic team being called out a total of 70 times during the month. That’s an average of over 2.3 emergencies every single day.

Breige Mulholland, Head of Operations & Finance at Air Ambulance NI, said:

“We are all feeling the pinch right now. Whether it’s filling up the family car or heating your home, the rising cost of fuel is something we are all facing. Fuel is the literal lifeline that powers our aircraft and brings the hospital to the patient; without it, we simply cannot fly.”

Despite the economic headwinds, Air Ambulance NI remains committed to its mission of being there for every person in Northern Ireland when the worst happens.

“Our mission remains the same: being there for you, your family, and your neighbours,” continues Breige Mulholland.

“We are only able to keep that tank full because of the incredible generosity of our supporters. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us navigate these rising costs and ensures that the medical team is ready to fly when calls come in.”

The charity, which works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), relies heavily on public donations to maintain its service. The recent surge in fuel costs means that a significantly larger portion of the charity’s budget must now be diverted just to keep the “rotors turning”.

The public can support the charity’s fuel costs by donating, joining their membership programme by giving a £10 or more donation each month, or organising a local fundraising event. For more information on how to support Air Ambulance NI, please visit www.airambulanceni.org or call the office on 028 9262 2677.

Air Ambulance NI aims  to fundraise £3 million a year to fund the delivery of emergency medical care to the scene of seriously ill or injured patients, which  can mean the difference between life and death.

The service operates seven days and can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland within twenty-five minutes. The crew provide advanced medical interventions that would usually be delivered in hospital, at the scene of serious road traffic collisions, farm and workplace accidents, sport and leisure incidents and serious medical emergencies, to name a few.