A Wales Air Ambulance pilot says volunteering for the lifesaving Charity has provided ‘valuable insight of what it takes to raise the millions it costs to run each year’.
23-year-old Rory Rumsey works for Gama Aviation, the service’s aviation partner, as a first officer pilot.
Over the past few months, he’s supported volunteers at community talk events and recently took part in the Walk Wales challenge with James Hook.
Rory said: “The Wales Air Ambulance Charity depends on the kindness of its supporters and volunteers to help with fundraising and raising awareness about the work of the service.
“As a pilot, I know first-hand how expensive helicopters are to run. Fuel costs along with the day-to-day maintenance and servicing, you can imagine how it all mounts up.
“I am keen to play my part in helping people understand what we do, and how every pound they raise can make a lifesaving difference.”
He added: “It’s brilliant to be able to go on the road with the Charity’s volunteers. They give their time so generously and are helping communities have a better understanding of pre-hospital emergency medicine.”
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 £13 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.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
Rory says volunteering for the Charity has helped him gain a better understanding of the work it does.
He said: “Over the past few months I have joined a local volunteer at three schools and thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the young people I have met.
“They have so much energy and enthusiasm and ask so many questions, which I love answering.
“One boy had an incredible understanding of the cloud formations we face when we fly. That started a whole conversation around the earth’s atmosphere.
“You never know what is going to be asked, but there is always a lively discussion.”
He added: “I hope that our community talks will inspire something in the young people we meet, such as a career in the health sector or aviation industry.
“They might want to join the Charity’s Future Flyers initiative or help organise a sponsored walk, or school fete.
“Many children fundraise for Wales Air Ambulance each year and are making a lifesaving difference.”
Throughout the year there are many events, from Coffee and Cake, Helipaws and Cycle 100.
Rory recently joined Wales rugby legend James Hook, on the Walk Wales South Wales – Gower challenge.
He said: “I enjoy hiking, so I teamed up with Chloe from our operational team at Cardiff Heliport.
“We really enjoyed getting to meet so many supporters, there were around eighty of us all together.
“It was so heart-warming to hear people speaking about how they have benefited from the service.
“This is my job, but for our past patients, the crew has a massive impact on their life, and you cannot help but be moved by that.”
Walk Wales has to date helped raise over £150,000 for Wales Air Ambulance.
Gail Windley, Wales Air Ambulance Events and Partnerships Fundraiser said: “It was so wonderful to welcome Rory to his first Walk Wales event.
“There was a fantastic turnout, and it meant a lot to everyone who took part to have one of the pilots walking alongside them.
“Our fundraisers are brilliant and go to extraordinary lengths to help us raise the £13,000,000 needed each year.
“Thanks to Rory, they got to hear about his role, and the types of missions we attend, inspiring everyone to keep going, as the miles mounted up.”
