The High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, Diana Stroia, emphasised her support of the Wales Air Ambulance during a recent visit to its Dafen airbase.
Diana has already demonstrated her commitment to the lifesaving service having taken part in Hooky’s Hike in June. She joined rugby great James Hook, air ambulance medics, and nearly 100 Charity supporters on a 10-mile fundraising walk along the Gower coastline.
Diana said: “Hooky’s Hike was a wonderful occasion that raised vital funds for the Wales Air Ambulance. During the day, I had the pleasure of speaking to critical care practitioner Dewi Thomas and it was an eye-opener to learn how advanced the service was.
“I was keen to learn more and received an invite from the Charity’s Chief Executive, Dr Sue Barnes, to visit their airbase in Dafen, near Llanelli.”
During the visit, Diana learnt more about the service from Dr Barnes, Operations Director Mark Winter, and Director of Strategic Communications Steven Stokes. She was also given a tour of the aircraft by critical care practitioner Marc Allen and pilot James Gardiner.
The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique third-sector and public sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
While the Welsh Ambulance Service is the primary responder to an emergency, Wales Air Ambulance will bring advanced support in the most serious life or limb-threatening instances.
Diana said: “I am truly amazed at the service they provide. There may be people across the region who don’t realise that they are not just a road ambulance in the sky. They are a mobile emergency department, delivering hospital treatment at the scene of an incident. This includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations.
“This high level of care is proven to increase the chances of survival and long-term recovery.
“Another incredible fact is that they are a pan-Wales service, not a regional one. Regardless of where a crew is based, they will travel wherever they are needed in Wales.
“I was also amazed to hear that they support patients and their loved ones long after an incident. The service has two dedicated patient liaison nurses who can answer questions about treatments received, offer emotional support, and signpost to other organisations that may be able to help with recovery. In the most challenging circumstances, they also offer bereavement support to loved ones.
“It really is astonishing to see the full care and support offered by Wales Air Ambulance, from emergency to recovery.”
Dr Sue Barnes, the Charity’s Chief Executive, said: “Diana is only a few months into her role as High Sheriff, but her support of our Charity has been so powerful and engaging. Not only has she been a strong advocate of the service but she has also helped to raise vital funds so that we can continue our lifesaving work.
“We look forward to developing our relationship with Diana further, not just in the remaining months of her tenure as High Sheriff, but long into the future.
“We cannot thank her enough for her passionate support.”
For more information about the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, and how you can offer your support, please visit www.walesairambulance.com
