Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has launched an appeal for support from Lanarkshire residents to ensure help reaches those most in need this winter.
As high winds, floods, freezing temperatures and driving snow begin to batter Scotland, the country’s only charity-funded air ambulance service is asking people to back their critical lifeline to those seriously ill or injured in more remote communities.
“People die in Scotland because help can’t reach them in time,” said SCAA’s director of development and engagement, Criona Knight.
“And that is never truer than when road and ferry access is compromised during severe winter weather conditions.
“For many, a helicopter such as SCAA is their best chance of survival – the speedy delivery of highly qualified clinicians with life-saving drugs and equipment and a rapid airlift to critical hospital care – all in a matter of minutes.
“ Storm Bert at the weekend showed how quickly communities can be cut off and when people take ill or are involved in an accident, the options for getting emergency responders to them are reduced.”
Criona added: “Our helicopter pilots are trained to navigate and land in driving rain, snow, high winds, low cloud and plummeting temperatures.
“Those same weather conditions can be fatal for someone who’s critically ill or injured – especially if they’re unable to move and exposed to freezing temperatures.
“SCAA can bypass ground challenges and get there in time to save lives this winter but, as a charity, we rely on the understanding and support of the public to fuel our flights.
“No one should die because help can’t reach them in time, and SCAA’s ambition is to answer every call out this winter and get there in time to make a difference.”
SCAA has already proved a lifesaver many times during its previous 11 winters since launching in 2013.
The charity’s two helicopters have flown to Scotland’s islands when high seas have cancelled ferries; to snow-clad hillsides when walkers are stranded, injured and hypothermic; to remote communities where fallen trees have hampered road access; to icebound rural roads where ambulance access to serious accidents is hampered or impossible; and to isolated farms and homes when illness or accidents in the worst of winter weather makes other options impossible.
“When the worst happens and hope is running out, SCAA can get there in time – with the help of the public,” said Criona.
“Their donation this winter will help save lives.”
To donate to SCAA’s winter appeal, head online or call 0300 123 1111.
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