ESSEX AIR AMBULANCE NEWS
Extracts from Airlines, the Essex Air Ambulance quarterly newsletter
An Introduction to Essex Air Ambulance
by Alan Cherry, President of the Essex Air Ambulance
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Two years ago, the idea of a dedicated air ambulance for Essex was thought to be a fairly ambitious venture. Over 1000 missions later however, I'm pleased to say that the helicopter is firmly established as an integral part of Essex ambulance service's fleet. Fast becoming a familiar sight in the skies over Essex, many patients have benefited from the air ambulance and the diversity of incidents range from horse riding and road traffic accidents, through to medical and surgical emergencies. |
The fundamental advantage of the helicopter is its ability to access remote areas of the county, without having to encounter the busy road system. The air ambulance delivers highly skilled crews to administer life saving and first aid treatment to patients in the quickest possible time. Once in the air, the helicopter is never more than 8 minutes flying time from any one of the county's major hospitals, and if a patient needs specialist treatment that is not available within Essex, they can be flown to the nearest centre of excellence.
The success of the air ambulance is almost entirely due to the enormous generosity and fund raising efforts of individuals, companies, clubs, schools and societies throughout our county. Without their hard work and consistent desire to help, the air ambulance would not be quite the success it is today.
In addition to local support, we were pleased to announce that we would receive 'top-up' sponsorship from the AA as part of their national programme to support air ambulances. This has allowed us to achieve one of our goals and increase the operational flying time from 5 days to 7 days a week. It does not mean, however, that we can afford to sit back and do nothing locally. It's an old cliche, but the truth is 'every penny counts'. Without the tremendous support of local fundraisers we, quite literally, would never get off the ground. |
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The air ambulance has made a significant contribution to the Essex ambulance fleet and with your continued support it will continue to provide the excellent service that can make the difference between life and death.
Mary Basham, a trustee of Belchamp St Paul Community House, expressed these sentiments at a recent cheque presentation to the air ambulance: "Even though our contribution is, comparatively, only a drop in the ocean, we do want to support it and show our appreciation of the air ambulance".
Without these 'drop in the ocean' contributions, the air ambulance would not be flying today.
Steve White, who owns the 'Pets Pantry', Church Street, Coggeshall, has a collection tin on the counter in his store. The tin has been filled 'to the brim' seven times since February 1999, adding a grand total of £1,508.53 to the Air Ambulance Appeal!
There are several ways you could contribute to the appeal - organise a fundraising/sponsored event, place a collection tin (like Steve) on your counter, become a volunteer and help with organised street collections or join the "Flight for life" lottery.
One pound per week will ensure you are entered into the weekly draw with a top prize of £1,000. There are three other major prizes and ten further consolation prizes. To join the lottery telephone (01245) 444424 for further information.
If you would like to become a volunteer, or hold a fundraising event, contact Sam Chinery. Admin Manager on (01245) 444424.
The Air Ambulance is funded entirely by charitable donations and realising the sum needed every month is quite a responsibility. Find out what it really costs to keep the ambulance airborne.
The total annual costs of flying the air ambulance 7 days a week for a year is £720,000 (equivalent to £60,000 per month). Of this sum a percentage covers the standing charge of the helicopter and includes the pilots, engineers, maintenance, hangerage etc. A further percentage pays for the cost of flying which largely covers the fuel costs and is based upon an hourly rate. The actual cost will vary depending on the number of hours flown - obviously the hours are considerably less in the winter months as the helicopter is only operational during daylight hours.
We also have to fund the operational manager (who co-ordinates the paramedic staff), the administrative support (which is kept to the bare minimum!) and the all important tin-collection staff The remaining monies buy the merchandise for re-sale and essential equipment for both the office and the helicopter. As employees of Essex ambulance service the paramedics salaries are met by the ambulance trust.
Funding raising started in June 1997 and thus far over £800,000 has been raised. The main sources of income include the lottery, which brings in nearly £7,000 per week, a wide variety of effort and support from organisations, individuals and collection tins and the top-up sponsorship from the AA.
We have been very fortunate to maintain a bank balance that ensures we can cover the operational costs for at least two months - for which we are extremely grateful. It would obviously be much more comfortable to operate within a greater margin. We make no apology for stressing that continued help is required to both maintain and develop the Essex Air Ambulance Service.
YOU MAY NEED US TOMORROW - WE NEED YOU TODAY.
PLEASE SUPPORT US!
