Over 50 missions in first month for new air ambulance

8:31am Friday 3rd August 2007

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A LONG-awaited air ambulance service for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has been launched and is expected to bring enormous benefits to people living in remote areas of the New Forest.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Charity was started in October 2005, but it was only on July 1 the air ambulance itself became operational.

It is now flying several missions every day.

In fact during its first month alone, the ambulance has flown more than 50 missions.

It has certain advantages over land ambulances - it can be airborne within three minutes of a 999 call, and only needs an area half the size of a tennis court to land on.

The air ambulance is one of New Forest District Council chairman, Cllr Bill Dow's, chosen charities during his year of office.

And he and vice-chairman, Paul Woods, were among those who attended the official launch at the National motor Museum at Beaulieu on July 17.

He said: "It's a wonderful service which can not only save lives, but also limit the impact of serious injuries by ensuring they are treated as quickly as possible.

"It has already been deployed to a serious accident in the New Forest area and we, as a council, are delighted to support it."

The air ambulance is based at Thruxton airfield, near Andover, and costs £65,000 a month to run - that is more than £2,000 a day and it receives no Government or Lottery funding.

Air ambulance director, Nicola Howkins, said: "It is only with the support of various organisations we are able to provide this vital service.

"We are delighted Councillor Dow has chosen us as one of the New Forest District Council's charities."

The helicopter is manned by a pilot and two South Central Ambulance paramedics, and it can carry a maximum of two patients to hospital at a time, but will not fly at night.

To help meet the high costs of operating the service, the charity is staging a family fun day at Thruxton Circuit on Tuesday, August 21 when the Red Devils will be giving a flying display and a contestant from the ITV show "Britain's got Talent" will be present.

And, on September 12, there will be a fun day at Newport Football Club on the Isle of Wight.