IN PRAISE OF THE CORNWALL AIR AMBULANCE
I was at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro yesterday (nothing serious) when out of the sky came the Cornwall Air Ambulance helicopter.
The air ambulance service is something special. It has been operating since 1987 and has carried out something like 20,000 missions - thus saving many lives. The helicopter can reach anywhere on Cornwall's mainland in about 12 minutes - which is often essential, especially in the summer months when many of Cornwall's main roads can get clogged with traffic.
The Cornwall Air Ambulance is not government funded but is, in effect, a charity so has to raise funds from sponsors and the general public. At the moment they are trying to raise £2.5 million to
bring the next generation air ambulance to Cornwall.
I think that's the best use for helicopters, followed by fire-fighting. They are so noisy, I really dislike hearing them overhead.
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather. I agree helicopters do make such a noise but I forgive the Air Ambulance as they do such a great job!
DeleteYou have covered this very well and highlighted the need for helicopter air ambulances. It's shameful that government do not fund them and also the Royal Naval Lifeboat Institute too!
ReplyDeleteAgree entirely David - these helicopters and the RNLI should be government funded - when I think of where some of 'our' money goes - well it's annoying!
DeleteThis is a lovely tribute and those who support and work for this important service deserve high praise. The "life flights" here save many lives through fast transport and highly skilled personnel. Great post, Mike!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann - the air ambulance is so important to Cornwall and does a wonderful service. As David has said above it should be government funded.
DeleteWonderful photos and a great post Mike. Enough really can't be said about those who save lives on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam, you are so right, they do a wonderful job.
ReplyDelete