Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance celebrates 14 years in the air

It helped its 10,000th patient earlier this year

Author: Jonathan RichardsPublished 1st Jul 2021

Specialist doctors, paramedics and pilots at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance are celebrating as the charity marks its 14th Birthday.

Earlier this year it attended its 10,000th patient by air, and already this year has helped more than 700 people in need of urgent care.

The charity says it costs nearly £3,000 every time it is called out.

Leading the appreciation is Elliott and his family from Hampshire.

In June last year, HIOWAA were called to provide emergency critical care to Elliott when he collapsed on his static exercise bike at home.

Sara, Elliott’s mum, says:

“I started doing CPR and we heard something overhead. ‘Is that Air Ambulance coming to us?’ we thought. Next thing we knew, the crew from HIOWAA were onsite. They ventilated Elliott and took charge of his breathing. I knew it was serious when everyone had turned up. I just want to thank them. It was quite the day, but every time I see the helicopter up in the air, I hope they are going to be able to help that person who needs them.”

Read Elliott's full story here: https://www.hiowaa.org/sara-and-elliotts-story/

HIOWAA Acting CEO, Sherie Williams Ellen, says:

“Over the last 14 years, with the backing of our fabulous supporters, we have given everything to provide the very best pre-hospital care to our patients. Husband or wife, mum or dad, son or daughter; whoever they are, every patient matters. Thank you to every single person who has donated over the past 14 years; I want every one of you to know what a vital role you have played in saving another life.”

To find out more about the charity visit: www.hiowaa.org

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