People's Helicopter saving lives

Charity calls on public to help raise millions for vital service

- STAFF REPORTER

For the past 12 years, the people of Scotland have been supporting a unique life-saving charity, raising £60 million-plus to sustain its service.

Individuals, families, groups, organisations, businesses, sponsors, trusts and grants have pulled together to ensure that Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is there for the people of Scotland when their need is greatest.

And in return, the charity's two air ambulance helicopters, two Rapid Response Vehicles and dedicated and experienced pilot and paramedic crews based at Perth and Aberdeen have helped save thousands of lives and supported many thousands more.

As SCAA prepares to mark its 12th anniversary, the charity is asking for the Scottish public to rally once again.

With a current annual £8 million costs, SCAA is now looking to raise an extra £2 million each year to fund the most advanced helicopter of its type in the UK.

“The people of Scotland deserve the very best air ambulance service we can provide and our new custom-fitted, state-of-the-art H145 D3 helicopter - which replaces the existing one at Aberdeen this autumn - will help deliver our ambition that no one in Scotland should die because help can’t get there in time,” explained SCAA Chief Executive David Craig.

“Operation Skyward is SCAA's fundraising drive to fund our ambition and secure the aircraft that will best deliver the country’s most advanced pre-hospital critical care service,” he added.

‘When someone is critically ill or injured, each minute delayed in getting vital advanced care to their side can make a dramatic difference - often the difference between life and death. With the people of Scotland's continued support, SCAA will get there in time.”

The new aircraft is part of a major operational enhancement programme for the charity which will also see a like-for-like replacement aircraft at Perth providing additional technologies such as Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS).