We are continuing to fly rescue missions across the region despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus outbreak.
Our doctor and paramedic teams are being deployed to incidents in the same way as usual. However, we are only airlifting those patients who are critically unwell and on closed-circuit ventilation, which means there is a much-reduced risk of the patient spreading infection within the aircraft.
We have been able to maintain this level of service thanks to support from our aviation partners and other stakeholders. We cover such a large geographical area, much of it rural and isolated, and we know there may be situations where this means the difference between life and death.
The team, including the pilots, are using the personal protective equipment they need to operate safely. This means we can still deliver the vital blood transfusions, anaesthetic procedures, ultrasound and all of our other life-saving equipment and techniques as is normally the case.
We are continuously monitoring the situation and are working closely with all our partners to ensure that we are balancing the needs of our patients with the safety of our crew.
Our rapid response car service, which attended 881 incidents in 2019, will continue as normal, though we will continue to review that situation and adapt with any fresh guidance.
The fundraising position remains challenging, with an entire season of events and activities cancelled. It is estimated that this will cost the charity more than £100,000 a month.
If you would like to support our mission, please donate.
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