LONDON'S AIR AMBULANCE treated 917 patients in the first half of 2016 and 38 of them were in  Hillingdon.

The charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London has released its statistics for January-June 2016 to raise awareness this National Air Ambulance Week.

Across London as a whole 917 patients were treated in the first six months of 2016 and the mechanisms of injury were:

  • 291 road traffic collisions (32%)
  • 257 stabbings and shootings (28%)
  • 224 falls (24%)
  • 145 other, including rail network, hangings and drownings (16%)

MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip Boris Johnson said: "I'm immensely proud of the fact that the fantastic helicopters that make the work of the London Air Ambulance possible are based in my constituency.

“London’s Air Ambulance cutting edge life-saving techniques are truly world-leading, but that work relies heavily on public donation.

“That's why National Air Ambulance week is so important. It’s an opportunity to champion the skills of our pilots, medics and staff across the service.

“I'd urge Londoners to support their work this week and in the weeks and months to come."

On average per month, London’s Air Ambulance performs 46 anesthetics, eight open heart surgeries and eight blood transfusions.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London’s Air Ambulance does an incredible job of providing life-saving support to those in trouble across the capital every day.

“National Air Ambulance Week is an opportunity to celebrate the crews across the country, who work tirelessly to provide this service.

“There’s lots of fun activities happening across the capital and I urge Londoners to get involved, donate and support the doctors, paramedics, pilots and staff at the coalface of emergency care.”

London's Air Ambulance treats on average five critically injured people in London each day, performing medical interventions at the roadside which are normally only found in a hospital emergency department.

MP for Hayes and Harlington John McDonnell said: "London's Air Ambulance plays a vital life-saving role and an essential service to London.

“It has my 100% backing and I encourage Londoners to give their support to this marvellous service."

Barts Health NHS Trust provides the doctors and some financial support and the London Ambulance Service provides the paramedics and the emergency infrastructure to dispatch the service.

The charity relies heavily on voluntary donations and has a world-class reputation for delivering clinical innovation and excellence at the roadside.

Since its inception 28 years ago, London’s Air Ambulance has treated more than 35,000 patients.

Charles Newitt, Interim CEO of London’s Air Ambulance, said: “National Air Ambulance Week is the ideal time to release our new infographic with data from the first six months of this year. 

“It serves to highlight the work that we do, all across London, all day, and all year. 

“We want everyone in London to know that we are there for them, should they need our help and that as a charity we can’t operate without the donations of those that live and work in London. 

“National Air Ambulance Week is a week when air ambulance charities across the UK rally together to raise awareness and funds in their local communities. 

“I am urging people to get involved during National Air Ambulance Week in any way you can to support us.  Your support is vital in saving lives.”

Hillingdon Times:

During National Air Ambulance Week (Monday 19-Sunday 25), London’s Air Ambulance will be taking part in lots of fundraising events to raise money and awareness for the charity. For a full list of events, click here.