REDDITCH Lions have stepped in and contributed to a £160,000 cash boost for the air ambulance network.
Local Lions joined the Lions Clubs International Foundation initiative to enable the high flying service – which depends totally on charity contributions – to be equipped with more vital kit in the battle against coronavirus.
President of Redditch Lions Club Mike Andrews said: “We know that air ambulance charities have been busier than ever during the coronavirus pandemic.
“They’ve faced considerable extra – unbudgeted – day to day costs – at the same time as lockdown has affected fund-raising.
“Now, thanks to an emergency Covid-19 relief grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation in the US, we can provide immediate support for this emergency service that touches lives in all our local communities.”
Working with Air Ambulances UK, Lions Clubs compiled a list of equipment and supplies needed by individual air ambulance charities – totalling £161,468.
Local Lions, including Redditch’s, have continued to support their communities facing difficulties due to Covid-19.
This latest boost for the air ambulance comes on top of £140,0000 awarded in grants to foodbanks and other causes nominated by Lions clubs across the British Isles.
As well as their ‘day job’ – responding to accidents, traumatic incidents and medical emergencies – air ambulances are supporting the Covid-19 response to help reduce the huge burden on the NHS and other public services.
The equipment and supplies they requested, which has been funded by the Lions Clubs International Foundation grant, includes isolation capsules and decontamination units, separation screens, PPE, ventilators, respirators and hoods, a thermal screening camera and monitoring system, compression devices, fluid warmers, an ultrasound cardiac probe, and mobile connectivity devices.
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is inviting people to take a virtual VIP tour around its Tatenhill airbase following the postponement of its planned annual open day.
Two of the charity’s most popular events – its airbase open days – have both been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic however these will now be available online via its Facebook page – Facebook.com/MidlandsAirAmbulance
Those interested in going behind-the-scenes can expect:
Virtual tour of the airbase
Tour of the helicopter aircraft and rapid response vehicle
Q&A interview with the aircrew.
Viewers will have the opportunity to ask their own questions in the lead up to the day Short aircrew demonstration of how they tend to an incident scene.
To find out more visit midlandsairambulance.com and follow the organisation on social media.
