Air ambulance branded 'inconsiderate' for 4am flight
Social media users come to the defence of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has received messages of support on social media after it was labelled “inconsiderate” for waking up residents while on a late night shout.
The life-saving charity received a complaint from someone in Southampton following a call-out at 4am on Saturday.
The air ambulance was asked to justify why it was flying so low as it made its way to Southampton General Hospital with the person then explaining they would no longer be donating to the charity.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance issued a response on social media explaining:
The charity received hundreds of messages of support and thanked those who had sent them.
A spokesperson said: "We are genuinely overwhelmed by your kind replies. Sadly this isn't the first time we've had a complaint like this and it probably won't be our last, but it's reassuring to know you are there for us. Thank you for all your support."
It costs approximately £15,000 a day for the air ambulance to maintain its service, with each mission costing on average £2,882.
The charity is run solely on donations and receives no government funding.