The charity Air Ambulance NI is launching a new range of fundraising events and activities as the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service announces call out rates for the first quarter of 2021 as the busiest since operations began.
The service has been called out on 229 occasions from January – March 2021, an increase of 30 % on the previous year and a 73% increase from 2018.
The medical team are tasked to critically ill and injured patients as a result of a range of incidents including road traffic collision, workplace accidents, sport and leisure, agricultural and self-harm. The HEMS is provided by a partnership between Air Ambualnce NI and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Glenn O’Rorke, Operational Lead for the HEMS said:
“On average we are called out twice a day, this is the busiest quarter that we have experienced since the start of operations. It reflects how the HEMS has embedded into the health system and the need for critical care interventions at scene when the worst happens for someone in our community.
“The interventions provided including inducing a coma and administering blood can mean the difference between life and death. We realise that every time we fly, we do so thanks to the publics continued support.”
In anticipation of a potentially busy summer, the charity is encouraging people to sign up to a fundraising event. Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising for the charity said:
“As another summer approaches, we know that people will continue to need help from the HEMS team, meaning the charity needs your support too. On Friday 10 September you can take part in our Dragon Boat Races and have a go at paddling up the River Lagan as part of a team of 12-20 people.
“Whether it’s a workplace, family, or friends’ team, you will have two timed trials to determine if you make the semi-finals and finals to compete for the coveted title of overall champion!
“If that’s not for you then you can face your fears in an abseil of the Tower Museum in L’Derry on Saturday 18 September, or abseil off Belfast Castle on Sunday 8th August. If running is more your speed, you could take on an element of the Belfast City Marathon on Sunday 19 September. If everyone does a little to support, then we can ensure this lifesaving service is here to give the best chance to patients now and for the future.”
More information on how to register is available online at www.airambulanceni.org including a calendar of events and other ideas to support the charity Air Ambulance NI.