The Air Ambulance Service’s tireless work to save lives during the summer’s unprecedented heatwave has been acknowledged at a special Downing Street reception.
No. 10 organised the event in recognition of the exceptional efforts of organisations that supported communities during the extreme heat over the summer months.
The air ambulance sector is often the first response to medical emergencies brought on by extremes in temperature. The invitation to the Downing Street event was also in recognition of the emergency service’s response to the Bedfordshire rail collision on 19 June when six air ambulances from different charities were deployed to the scene near Elstow.
The incident was a high-profile major emergency that occurred in very challenging temperatures and highlighted the lifesaving role of air ambulance charities in supporting patients and emergency services.
Representing The Air Ambulance Service at the recognition event on 21 September, Critical Care Paramedic Mark Beasley said: “The Prime Minister addressed those gathered, thanking emergency services, charities and volunteer organisations for their work during the summer’s extraordinary heat before speaking with guests individually. He was especially interested to hear about the challenges vital services face when operating in extremes of weather.
“Visiting Downing Street and meeting the Prime Minister was a memorable, somewhat surreal experience, made more meaningful by hearing how others had supported their communities. The occasion was a reminder of what The Air Ambulance Service bring to the most difficult incidents: skilled care when every minute matters, delivered alongside the people and services working together to save lives.”
The Air Ambulance Service charity operates helicopter emergency medical services under the name “Your Local Air Ambulance” covering Warwickshire, Northamptonshire Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland. It also operates the “National Children’s Air Ambulance”, a one-of-a-kind dedicated helicopter transfer service that has taken more than 1,200 critically ill babies and children to hospitals where they can receive the best care.
For more information visit www.theairambualcneservice.org.uk
