First day in action sees Helimed called to Turriff
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A new air ambulance took to the skies today (Friday) as Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) launched its second life-saving emergency response helicopter.
The only charity of its type in Scotland has operated a single aircraft nationwide Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) since 2013 from its base at Perth Airport, saving and impacting on thousands of lives.
Now the charity has doubled its capability, with a second helicopter service (callsign Helimed 79) launched from an additional base at Aberdeen International Airport.
Together, the charity's two air ambulances will cover the whole of Scotland, working alongside two Government-funded helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft - all tasked through the country's 999 emergency response service.
Founding chairman of SCAA John Bullough said: "There's never been a more crucial time for additional emergency pre-hospital care resources in Scotland and SCAA is proud to be able to strengthen the country's air ambulance fleet.
"Within seven years, this relatively young charity has been able to sustain one helicopter and then fund a second which is a remarkable achievement for everyone involved - not least the public, whose generous support funds our entire life-saving service.
"During these difficult times, the demands on frontline emergency services has never been greater and we hope the public will continue to support us - ensuring that, with the launch of Helimed 79, we can fly more care, more quickly, to more people wherever the need arises in Scotland.
The crew which is made of of the pilot and paramedics seconded from the Scottish Ambulance Service were tasked to assist two ambulance crews following a call to a property on Easterfield Road in Turriff around 5.30pm, where they airlifted an elderly individual in a serious condition to hospital in Aberdeen.
