All Party Parliamentary Group for Air Ambulances Annual Reception held
A reception held by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Air Ambulances (APPGAA) took place on the House of Commons Terrace, Westminster on 26 June 2018
A reception held by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Air Ambulances (APPGAA) took place on the House of Commons Terrace, Westminster on 26 June 2018. The event, hosted by Chairman of the APPGAA Jim Fitzpatrick MP for Poplar and Limehouse, gave members of both Houses of Parliament the opportunity to meet with representatives from air ambulance charities and ambulance services. A total of 210 attendees came together and used the opportunity to highlight and discuss many of the key issues that affect the sector.
Jim Fitzpatrick introduced Paula Martin, Chair of the Association of Air Ambulances who took the opportunity to highlight some of the key issues affecting the Air Ambulance sector both operationally and within fundraising. Paula said: “The Association understands the requirements to introduce the new and upgraded Airwave Replacement Programme (ARP) and supports the positive work to future proof radio communications utilised by all emergency services. Well publicised delays in the process to identify the equipment, roll out and fit to the fleet of rotary aircraft are causing concern. We are seeking re-assurance from the Home Office that the emergency services will only transition when we are satisfied that there is no reduction in any of the capabilities we have already in place through the current communication system, which is fully integrated with our responding agencies and staff. We also need to see a clear plan put in place to mitigate the risk of aircraft unavailability while the radio installation works are carried out, and each charity’s ability to provide the life-saving pre-hospital emergency service throughout the transition period. Our member charities require assurance that all costs to in relation to procurement or installation of new systems will be fully met by Government.
“The second key issue for the Association is the Helicopter Landing Site Network. Where distances are great, time is of the essence and advanced and enhanced skills are needed urgently, the use of air ambulances is embedded and a key part to our national response plans for the most critically ill and injured patients. That may be at the roadside in the pre-hospital setting or at times from a place of care to a specialist centre to manage specific injuries or illness.
There has been progress in some areas with the improvement and access times for some of our key hospitals, however there is still not an infrastructure in place that supports all areas of operation throughout the UK. Our updated Helipad report has identified some clear gaps which are a concern not only to the Air Ambulance Community, but also to UKSAR and NPAS. The NHS used to include a requirement for helipad infrastructure in its building note for hospitals, but the requirement was later dropped. The Association is calling for this to be reintroduced as a priority.
The third operational key issue is Flight Time Limitations. Working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the British Helicopter Association (BHA) and our Aircraft Operators, we fully support, the safeguarding of our Helicopter Emergency Medical Services and promote any area that will further improve safety for all areas of the operation.
However, we are still not fully clear of what impact, if any, future EASA ruling on Flight Time Limitations, will have on our teams and or operational response capability. We continue to work in partnership with organisations involved in this process and are seeking support to ensure that any changes that are being considered should cause as little impact on our operational availability to or services whilst ensuring safety is at the forefront.”
Paula then explained a future key issue likely to affect a high number of the Association’s membership over the next five years is the cap restriction placed on local charities for their society lottery fundraising. The Association welcomes the opportunity to provide responses to any consultations and ministerial enquiries on this subject, highlighting the importance of this vital fundraising for its charity members. Finally, Paula took the time to pay sincere thanks to Jim Fitzpatrick MP for leading the APPGAA before also expressing thanks to the MPs who attended the event and those who engage with the sector to help resolve challenges, either through changes in regulation, or by assisting with grants such as Libor.
The AAA, which represents the majority of air ambulance charities, ambulance services and the supply chain throughout the UK, supported the reception for the sixth year, bringing patients, charities, ambulance services and legislators together.