Tuesday 8 September 2020

This year the week centres on the theme ‘because every second counts’ highlighting the incredible care that is delivered daily by Wales Air Ambulance and the UK’s air ambulance charities. 

Throughout the week, we will highlight how Wales Air Ambulance and other air ambulance charities save lives every day right across the UK by bringing the emergency department to the side of patients who are critically ill and injured. We are asking you to support the week by sharing your stories and continuing to support our lifesaving Charity. You can do this by joining our Lifesaving Lottery, becoming a volunteer, visiting our shops or café, fundraising or making a donation. 

Our specialist critical care teams: paramedics, doctors, pilots, engineers, and dispatchers provide vital lifesaving care, wherever it is needed because every second counts. 

Last year we attended over 3,000 lifesaving missions across Wales. This means that since 2001 the Charity’s medics were dispatched to over 36,000 missions.  

Despite this, we are an emergency service funded almost entirely by you. Your continued support saves the lives of Wales’ critically ill or injured when they are most in need. There is no regular direct funding from the Government. You, the people of Wales, keep our helicopters flying. Without you, we wouldn’t have this lifesaving service. Your continued support saves the lives of Wales’ critically ill or injured when they are most in need. 

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, air ambulance charities have faced many challenges including a significant drop in donations as the economic effects of the pandemic take hold. 

We have not only continued to provide lifesaving treatment but have also played a vital role on the frontline response to COVD-19. Our committed team remain dedicated and ready and able to save lives when someone is having the worst day of their life. 

And so, now more than ever, we need support to enable us to keep saving lives like that of Hannah Gregson. 

Dave Gilbert, Wales Air Ambulance Chair of Trustees, said: “In common with many other charities since the Covid-19 pandemic began, we have seen a significant decrease in funding due to the cessation of key initiatives such as bucket collections and fundraising events.  Our medics have continued to work during the pandemic and save lives in Wales. We rely on people and businesses across Wales to help keep our helicopters flying. 

“The Inspiring story of little Hannah shows the importance of our vital lifesaving service, as without our medics she would not be here today. Twelve months on she is a happy and healthy three-year-old who is due to start nursery this week. If you can, please continue to support us during these difficult times and help save more lives.” 

To find out more about Air Ambulance Week 2020 or to donate visit walesairambulance.com or follow #AAW2020 #Becauseeverysecondcounts