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Hampshire air ambulance celebrates first birthday
THE Hampshire and Isle of Wight air ambulance is celebrating its first birthday after handling 878 emergencies so far.
It keeps flying thanks to donations, and its annual running costs come to £780,000.
It is crewed by two pilots, six paramedics, and other volunteer doctors, and is only ever grounded in extreme weather.
Neil Cook, head of operations for the ambulance service in Hampshire, said: "The air ambulance has offered a new dimension in the care and transportation of the critically-ill to the appropriate receiving healthcare units.
"It has also been fundamental in supporting land-based crews in managing difficult situations."
To keep it flying, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Charity, which collects the necessary cash, is see Its director of operations, Nicola Howkins, said: "It is only due to the generosity of the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that this vital lifesaving service continues.
"Without their unwavering support, the air ambulance service would be unable to continue saving lives."
Three schemes are operating to attract donations, which includes collecting clothes in the charity's yellow "Bag it up" bins, which are dotted across Hampshire.
It is also looking for old printer cartridges and mobile phones to recycle for cash. The third fund-raising project is called the "gold rush", involving donations of unwanted jewellery.
Visit www.hampshireandiowairambulance.org.uk for more details.
9:46am Saturday 23rd August 2008
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