Since its launch over three and a half years ago, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland has become a critical component of the emergency response in Northern Ireland.
Yesterday, Health Minister Robin Swann announced funding of £1 million for the air ambulance service. Minister Swann said ‘many people who have had life-changing injuries, and whose lives have been at risk following significant trauma, have benefitted from the expertise of skilled clinicians.’ He also stated that ‘they bring advanced critical care to the scene and rapidly transport their patient directly to the regional trauma centre for ongoing emergency care.’
In announcing the funding, the Health Minister said: “I am grateful to those individuals and businesses who have continued to support this service through charitable donations. To date this has proved to be a successful and sustainable model delivered in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, but I also recognise the impact that the pandemic has had on the ability of our charity partner to raise funds in its customary manner. This £1 million payment will assist Air Ambulance NI with the challenges they are currently facing and assure the ongoing success of the funding partnership that delivers this valuable service.”
Welcoming the announcement Ray Foran, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland Chairperson said: “Air Ambulance NI is delighted to receive a funding package to help us continue to deliver pre-hospital emergency care to those in most need. Air Ambulance NI has experienced an increase in taskings by almost 20%. We have continued to operate during these challenging times, supporting the Department of Health and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. We would like to thank all our supporters for their continued and ongoing contribution.”
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland has a close working relationship and partnership with emergency medical and ambulance services in Northern Ireland.
Michael Bloomfield, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Ambulance Service also welcomed the news. He Tweeted “A very welcome announcement to support the continued life-saving work of the HEMS service provided by @AirAmbulanceNI in partnership with @NIAS999’
Air Ambulance NI is a charity that raises funds to sustain the aviation side of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.
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