Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance appeal to help fund its life-saving service

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has launched an appeal to Lanarkshire residents to help fund the life-saving service through its busiest period of the year.

As demand on the organisation peaks during June, July and August, SCAA is sending an SOS to people across the area to “Save Our Summer”.

Criona Knight, SCAA’s director of development and engagement, explained that busier roads, increased sporting activity, public events and a mass exodus into the countryside all lead to a significant increase in accidents and medical emergencies during the three-month period.

She told Lanarkshire Live: “Nobody in Scotland should die because they can’t get help in time.

“And SCAA is a vital component in a person’s chain of survival when serious illness or injury strikes – particularly in our most remote and rural areas.

“Every day our crews are flying vital care to those most in need – and every day the generosity of supporters throughout Scotland is funding those time-critical flights.

“Communities from Shetland to the Borders and the Outer Hebrides to the east coast have benefited from the paramedic and doctor-led teams SCAA delivers to the emergency scene and the rapid airlift of those ill or injured to definitive hospital care.

“We’re now reaching out in appeal to those who can, to help boost our funds and ensure we can respond to every call for air ambulance support this summer.”

June to August accounts for around a third of SCAA’s total annual workload with one extra call out every day.

An average mission costs SCAA around £4500; therefore, an extra £135,000 is needed each month to help SCAA see people safely through the summer.

Criona added: “The public has funded SCAA since it was launched 11 years ago, raising an amazing £55 million in that time.

“Growing demand and spiralling costs mean SCAA needs that support now, more than ever, to keep our rotors running this summer.”

The charity’s SOS Appeal has been launched and Criona is hopeful that the Lanarkshire public will respond positively to cushion the financial impact of the increased workload.

She said: “Communities everywhere know of someone whose life has been saved or improved by the early intervention of air ambulance crew support.

“We never know where or when illness or accident will strike and every donation we receive can make the difference between life and death when speed and urgent medical attention are critical to a patient’s chances of survival.

“From our bases at Perth and Aberdeen, our two air ambulances can fly anywhere in Scotland – including serving our many islands – in the fastest possible time, bringing help and hope to those that need it.

“SCAA has always been known as the ‘People’s Helicopter’, funded by the people of Scotland for the people of Scotland.

“We’ll be there for the people of Scotland and we know they will be there for us.”

People who want to donate to the SCAA SOS Appeal can do so online.

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