London’s Air Ambulance thanks donors during Air Ambulance Week
London’s Air Ambulance Charity has marked the beginning of Air Ambulance Week 2020 with the release of a video message thanking Londoners for their support
The video shows doctors, paramedics and fire crew from the life-saving service thanking supporters for their donations, which allow them to ‘look after Londoners’ every day.
An air ambulance helicopter takes off every 10 minutes
Air Ambulance Week runs from 7 – 13 September and is recognized by all of the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities, celebrating the life-saving services for which they fundraise. Across the UK, on average an air ambulance helicopter takes off every 10 minutes daily, meaning today alone, the UK’s air ambulance teams will be dispatched to 70 potentially life-saving missions.
As an extra thank you to supporters, on 10 September the BT Tower displayed a special message of gratitude to Londoners. The message read: “To the people of London, your support saves lives. It’s because of you that when London calls, we’ll be there. Thank you from all at London’s Air Ambulance Charity.”
Remaining operational during Covid-19
During the Covid-19 pandemic, London’s Air Ambulance has supported the NHS and remained operational 24/7 for every one of the 10 million people who live, work and travel in London every day. It costs around £11 million each year to deliver the service; providing London with an advanced trauma team 365 days a year.
Jonathan Jenkins, CEO of London's Air Ambulance Charity, said: “After a tumultuous six months, Air Ambulance Week is a welcome opportunity to reflect on the dedication of our crews and our supporters who have kept us flying through this difficult period.
“We rely on public donations to make sure we can reach the capital’s most critically injured patients in need of life-saving care.