SCAA sets sights on second HEMS helicopter
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA), a UK HEMS charity, has announced that it is planning to launch a second aircraft.
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA), a UK HEMS charity, has announced that it is planning to launch a second aircraft.
The service has operated with one air ambulance since 2013 and has announced that it is planning to raise around £6 million in order to start running a second helicopter. SCAA says that a second vehicle will increase its response capability to time-critical medical emergencies, retrievals and urgent transfers across the whole of Scotland. It also says it is confident that public support will help to fund the new helicopter.
The service currently operates in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service and is tasked through the national ambulance control. It also works alongside two Scottish Government-funded helicopter air ambulances and two fixed-wing patient transfer aircraft. The service will also assist in the implementation of the Scottish Trauma Network, which will mean seriously ill patients will be moved longer distances to major trauma centres to get the correct treatment.
“SCAA has proved itself to be a fully integrated and indispensable part of our national emergency services. We are extremely proud of our close relationship with the Scottish Ambulance Service and look forward to working together to deliver this project,” said SCAA Chairman and Founding Trustee, John Bullough.