Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance set to mark anniversary
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Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) will mark its eighth anniversary this week.
The emergency service will mark the milestone on Saturday, May 22.
It has seen a year like no other operating during the coronavirus pandemic, but that has not stopped it enhancing its service with the launch of a new aircraft - Helimed 79 in Aberdeen - which operates in the Grampian, Highland and the Island regions.
SCAA's chairman John Bullough has paid tribute to its crews.
He said: "This week Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) marks its eighth anniversary - after a year like no other.
"Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, our Helimed crews have never missed a beat; maintaining our emergency helicopter air ambulance service across Scotland’s mainland and island communities.
"In fact we’ve enhanced our service with the launch of a new aircraft – Helimed 79 in Aberdeen last year – which has already had a huge impact on pre-hospital care in the Grampian, Highland and the Island regions.
"In our busiest year ever, our aircrew have endured challenging working conditions, with additional procedures and cumbersome protective and safety equipment as they go about an already difficult and stressful job.
"But they’re not complaining – this is what the Scottish public ask of them, to save and improve lives, wherever the need arises, and they fulfil their role with courage and pride.
"Our exemplary performance during this national crisis has been a tribute to how far SCAA has come in just eight years and I, for one, are immensely proud of what the SCAA team has achieved.
"But our operational teams are acutely aware that we are only able to provide this critical service, thanks to the continued public donations which you have maintained throughout these difficult times. So you’re the real heroes in our charity.
"SCAA is the People’s Helicopter - funded by the people of Scotland, for the people of Scotland - and our two frontline aircraft are stood by ready to help you, your family, your friends, colleagues, neighbours or anyone in your community when you most need us.
"As we mark our eighth birthday on May 22, we’re asking the people of Scotland, if they can, to support us into the future.
"Any donation, however small, to celebrate our anniversary will help to save a life – just like the numerous lives we have already saved over almost 3000 missions.
"SCAA vows to continue to transform emergency care in Scotland, particularly to our rural and island communities, with your support."
