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London’s Air Ambulance flying longer this summer

59London’s Air Ambulance will, for the first time in its history, fly longer hours during the summer months.

The charity is now able to deliver its advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London via helicopter every day until sunset.

At its peak the helicopter can be used until 21.21 whereas previously, due to aviation resources, the service had to stop flying at 18.45 each day.

This development is part of the charity’s strategy to extend its helicopter emergency medical service.

Further to this, it is hoping to acquire a second helicopter to provide cover when the current aircraft is offline for maintenance. Together these will allow the charity to reach up an estimated 400 patients per year by air.

 

Graham Hodgkin, Chief Executive Officer, London’s Air Ambulance, said: ““When daylight hours are longer people are out and about more – kids playing, after work drinks, BBQs, festivals – London is full of things to do.  Previously, due to affordability, we couldn’t contract the additional pilots and fire crew needed to cover the summer months but thanks to those who have donated to the Your London, Your Helicopter campaign so far, we have now been able to do that.  That said, our biggest stumbling block is having access to a second helicopter if the current one is offline for maintenance. I urge the people and businesses in London to keep donating at yourhelicopter.london to help us get a second helicopter for London airborne later this year.”