Since the charity first began operations on 1 July 2007, the air ambulance has been tasked to over 9,439 missions across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. When the Charity introduced its first emergency response vehicle in 2017, mission numbers doubled, leading to the decision to bolster the fleet with an additional two vehicles early last year. These vehicles carry the same equipment as the air ambulance – blood and plasma transfusion kits, defibrillators and monitors that can record ECGs, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and carbon dioxide levels. The charity’s critical care teams now respond to an average of six emergencies, both in the air and on the road, every day.

HIOWAA has been able to remain operational throughout the current pandemic. In addition, the charity’s specialist critical care paramedics have been utilizing their specialist skills in the Emergency Department at University Hospital Southampton, to assist in the frontline battle against coronavirus. 

Alex Lochrane, HIOWAA Chief Executive, said: “The air ambulance belongs to, and is funded by, our local community and we have never needed their support as much as we do now. Without the support, dedication and passion they have shown us for the past 13 years, we simply would not have been able to develop our service to be there for those who need us most. From operational milestones to seeing the smiling faces of our wonderful volunteers, I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved.

“To every single person who has continued flying the HIOWAA flag and supporting us through these difficult times, and for the past 13 years, thank you.”

To celebrate the 13-year landmark, HIOWAA will be hosting a virtual Quiz with the Crew, hosted by one of the charity’s specialist critical care paramedics. Supporters can play along live with the crew on the HIOWAA Facebook page on 1 July, from 19:15 hrs. So far, the charity’s virtual Quiz with the Crew has raised over £3,000 through online donations made during each quiz.