On Tuesday 25th July Midland Air Ambulance Fund Raising Executive for Herefordshire Kate Bristow delivered a fascinating and highly enlightening talk to members, apart from delivering talks to various groups she also spends time in schools educating the young in the use of CPR etc.
The charity operates a fleet of three helicopters from bases at RAF Cosford, Strensham and Tatenhill which allows them to reach any location within the six -county region (including Herefordshire) for which they are responsible, in just 8 minutes.
They also operate a number of Critical Care Cars which provide the same level of care to the patient as the aircraft.
Both the aircraft and cars are crewed by specially trained paramedics and doctors who in effect bring the A & E Department to the patient without delay.
In essence the task is to ensure the patient receives the best possible care as quickly as possible, to stabilise their condition and ensure they are delivered swiftly to the most appropriate hospital.
The charity is required to raise some 15 million pounds a year to maintain the crucial service that it provides
Each mission undertaken by a helicopter cost £2,950.00 the cost when a car it utilised is some £288.00
The demand on their services is very significant with 4,500 missions undertaken each year, this averages out at no less than 13 missions per day.
There are many different ways that you can support your local air ambulance more details can be found at www.midlandairambulance.com
Vaga Probus is a men’s group that meets twice a month in Ross. Visitors are very welcome, if you have an interest in visiting or indeed have a talk you would like to deliver, please contact the Secretary on [email protected]. Further details are on the website at www.vaga-probus-ross.org.uk.