SPOKE TO THE CHERTSEY ROTARY AT THEIR AUGUST MEETING
Air Ambulance Week 2021 is taking off across the UK from 6th-12th September, raising awareness of the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities across the UK. During the national awareness week, organised by Air Ambulances UK, Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) will be joining other air ambulance charities around the country in a campaign called Every Second Counts and Every Penny Matters.
The campaign highlights how air ambulance charities such as KSS rapidly deliver advanced lifesaving pre-hospital care directly to the side of patients with a life-threatening injury or medical emergency; essentially bringing the A&E department to the patient when every second counts towards survival.
KSS is a world leading Air Ambulance Charity at the forefront of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). Their purpose is to save lives and ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. Operating out of Redhill Aerodrome and headquartered in Rochester, KSS was the first 24/7 HEMS in the country. They serve a population of 4.8 million plus those who travel through the area. Their missions have saved thousands of lives which is only possible thanks to their amazing supporters. Each year the charity must raise £15M to operate, 88% of which is raised through public donations and fundraising.
KSS is calling on people all over Kent, Surrey and Sussex to support the Charity during Air Ambulance Week to ensure it can continue to save the lives of children like Madi (3) from Claygate who suffered facial injuries when a horse kicked her. Madi’s Mum Jen said: “I was shocked when I first saw Madi, her facial injuries and the amount of blood, but I knew that I had to remain calm and brave for our baby girl.
“I don’t remember at what point the air ambulance landed but I remember feeling a huge sense of relief that Madi was in the best hands. The KSS crew spent about 20 minutes on scene assessing Madi’s injuries and deciding what immediate care she needed. Then they moved Madi and her daddy to the helicopter and flew them to St George’s, arriving 12 minutes later.
“KSS were there for me and my family at a time when we so urgently needed help, and for that we’ll be forever thankful.”
Find out more about KSS: aakss.org.uk