Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance launches winter appeal
Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has launched an appeal to ensure help reaches those most in need this winter.
As high winds, floods, freezing temperatures and driving snow begin to batter Scotland, the country’s only charity-funded air ambulance service is asking people to support its critical lifeline to those seriously ill or injured in the more remote communities.
“People die in Scotland because help can’t reach them in time,” said SCAA’s director of development and engagement, Criona Knight, “and that is never truer than when road and ferry access is compromised during severe winter weather conditions.
“For many, a helicopter such as SCAA is their best chance of survival – the speedy delivery of highly qualified clinicians with life-saving drugs and equipment and a rapid airlift to critical hospital care – all in a matter of minutes.
“Storm Bert at the weekend showed how quickly communities can be cut off and when people take ill or are involved in an accident, the options for getting emergency responders to them are reduced.
“Our helicopter pilots are trained to navigate and land in driving rain, snow, high winds, low cloud and plummeting temperatures. Those same weather conditions can be fatal for someone who’s critically ill or injured – especially if they’re unable to move and exposed to freezing temperatures.
“SCAA can bypass ground challenges and get there in time to save lives this winter but as a charity we rely on the understanding and support of the public to fuel our flights.
“No one should die because help can’t reach them in time and SCAA’s ambition is to answer every call out this winter and get there in time to make a difference.”
SCAA has already proved a lifesaver many times during its previous 11 winters since launching in 2013.
The charity’s two helicopters – based at Perth and Aberdeen - have flown to Scotland’s islands when high seas have cancelled ferries; to snow-clad hillsides when walkers are stranded, injured and hypothermic; to remote communities where fallen trees have hampered road access; to icebound rural roads where ambulance access to serious accidents is hampered or impossible; and to isolated farms and homes when illness or accidents in the worst of winter weather makes other options impossible.
When Cameron, his dad Stuart, and their dog walked the Kilbo Pass one Christmas, they took every precaution to ensure their safety.
As experienced climbers, they had all the right equipment for the time of year, including extra thermals and survival bags. But when Cameron slipped and tore his knee open to the bone, they knew they had to get help – and fast.
Cameron said: “We called the emergency services, layered on more clothing, and hunkered down in our survival bags.
“My dog Oakley snuggled in beside us and I protected him from the wind with our rucksacks.”
SCAA was able to reach the trio within 20 minutes from its base in Perth, landing close to them.
Recognising that Stuart was already hypothermic, the crew immediately set up their extreme weather kit, including a bothy for shelter, heat pads and thermal blankets.
Then once safely out of the cold, they began treatment on Cameron’s injury before flying everyone – including Oakley the dog – to Ninewells Hospital in just 12 minutes.
Criona added: “When the worst happens and hope is running out, SCAA can get there in time - with the help of the public. Their donation this winter will help save lives.”
To donate to SCAA’s winter appeal visit scaa.org.uk/intime or call 0300-123-1111 to make a donation.
