Surge in Northern Ireland air ambulance callouts

Air Ambulance NI (Northern Ireland) stated that Q1 2021 has been its busiest period since the service began in 2016. Between January and March 2021, Air Ambulance NI was called out on 299 missions, representing a 30-per-cent increase from 2019 and a 73-per-cent increase from 2018.

Glenn O’Rorke, HEMS Operational Lead for Air Ambulance NI, commented: “On average, we are called out twice a day […] It reflects how HEMS has embedded into the health system and the need for critical care interventions at scene when the worst happens for someone in our community.”

Incidents include road traffic accidents, agriculture, and workplace accidents

The air ambulance team was called out for a variety of incidents during this period, ranging from road traffic collisions, workplace accidents, sports and leisure, and agriculture, and self-harm.

HEMS in the country is provided between Air Ambulance NI and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, and the charity anticipates the busy period will extend throughout the summer. Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising, Air Ambulance NI, stated: “As another summer approaches, we know that people will continue to need help from the HEMS team, meaning the charity needs your support too.” In response to this demand, Air Ambulance NI will launch a range of fundraising events to raise additional awareness and support for the charity.

In 2020, Air Ambulance NI opened an airpad at Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to bring patients straight to the facility without a second transfer.