This year the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) recorded its busiest months since the service commenced in July 2017.
The service experienced an increase of 30% on their number of call outs during the first quarter of 2021 compared to the previous year, followed by their busiest month to date in July 2021 when they were tasked 78 times in total and clocked up 44 flying hours.
The local charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland is now appealing for public support this Christmas, to help fund the continuous growth of the service to ensure they can always be there for local people like 2-year-old Joey Strahan.
On his second birthday whilst waiting for his party guests to arrive, Joey landed awkwardly on the bouncy castle and broke multiple bones in his leg.
The HEMS team arrived in the air ambulance and treated Joey before airlifting him to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
Joey’s mum Hollie Anne said:
“It was a worrying day and awful to see Joey in so much pain. Thankfully the team were brilliant, and it calmed us all down when the air ambulance team gave Joey the pain relief he needed.”
Air Ambulance NI are offering a host of different options to support the charity this Christmas including items for sale in the shop www.airambulanceni.org, becoming a member of their Club AANI for adults and Junior Club AANI for kids, and Christmas E-cards to name a few.
There is also a competition with 4 terrific prizes up for grabs: a PlayStation 5 (disc edition), £500 voucher for Rushmere Shopping Centre, 30-minute helicopter flight with Mid Ulster Aviation Ltd, and 4 tickets to see this year's Pantomime, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, at the Grand Opera House and an overnight stay for the family at Clayton Hotel Belfast on Boxing night!
Entry for the Christmas Competition closes on Friday 3 December at noon and the prize winners will be drawn on the 4th of December 2021.
Enter today for your chance to win:
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, said:
“We are very aware that behind every call out is a local patient like Joey. The medical team attend incidents that range from limb threatening to life threatening and the interventions they bring to scene can be the difference between life and death.
“Such a crucial service for everyone means we need everyone’s support to help raise the £5,500 needed daily to sustain operations. As well as the usual fundraising we have created an area online for supporters to upload a message in memory or support of a loved one.”
You can find more information on all the above ways to fundraise and support at www.airambulanceni.org or contact the charity directly on 028 9262 2677.
Christmas Ecards
Send E-Cards to your friends and family or as a business to your customers and clients while donating the cost of greeting cards to Air Ambulance NI. You can include a personal message, brand the E-Card with your company logo, and even schedule when your E-Cards are sent.
Club AANI
Show your commitment to saving lives by signing up to Club AANI or gift a Junior Club AANI membership to children in your life who want to support their Air Ambulance. All members receive exclusive benefits tailored to their age including a welcome pack and an annual invitation to our member's get-together.
Lights for Flights
Some supporters of the charity have created dazzling Christmas displays at their homes, to raise vital funds for Air Ambulance NI. Visit a display in your local area:
• Marty and Mervyn Ross
3 Beechfield Lodge Aghalee
• Jordan Christie
9 Meadowbrook, Ballybogey
• David McCusker
67 Tattygare Road, Mountdrum, Lisbellaw
Or join them by putting on your own Christmas display inside or outside and inviting your local community to donate. To take part, simply contact Air Ambulance NI to request a collection box and banner.
Christmas Merchandise
Purchase Air Ambulance NI branded goodies as Christmas Gifts or stocking fillers. Whether you're decorating your tree, writing your Christmas cards or even looking for a gift for your pet dog, the Air Ambulance NI shop has something for you!
Online Shopping
If you are shopping on Amazon, the charity is encouraging you to use Amazon Smile, which donates 0.5% of your eligible purchases at no extra cost to you.
Festive Christmas Wishes
Supporters are encouraged to send a message in memory or support and have this displayed on our website in return for a donation amount of your choice.