A new air ambulance took to the sky this morning as Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) launched its second helicopter, which will help to save lives on the Lincolnshire coast.
The helicopter has taken over from the charity’s Critical Care Car (CCC), which has been operational on the East Coast from 1 June. Since then, doctors and paramedics have responded to 31 emergencies in the area.
The expansion of LNAA’s service comes as the UK emerges from Covid restrictions and an influx of visitors are expected to flock to popular seaside towns for a summer staycation.
The second aircraft is a black, white and blue Leonardo Helicopters AW109 which will be based at an airfield near Mablethorpe, ready to respond to incidents along the coast. The charity’s yellow Leonardo Helicopters AW169 ‘Ambucopter’ will continue to attend emergencies across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, helping those who need it most.
Doctor Cosmo Scurr said: “Launching this additional service on the Lincolnshire coast means that we can be there for more patients who may need us.
“Our clinicians can provide potentially life-saving care to the patient outside of a hospital environment. With the nearest Major Trauma Centre being situated over an hour away from the East Coast, having a second helicopter will allow us to save vital time when transporting the patient to hospital.
CEO Karen Jobling said: “Seeing our second helicopter touch down at the Lincolnshire coast today marks a momentous occasion for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.
“Our life-saving service has helped literally thousands of patients over the years, and our second helicopter on the busy Lincolnshire coast will allow us to bring medical care to many more people in their time of need.
“The launch of this second aircraft simply wouldn’t have been possible without our wonderful supporters. While it’s been a tough year for fundraising, it’s only thanks to your generosity that we are able to provide this service on the Lincolnshire coast.”
The charity’s second helicopter will remain operational from now until 31 August.
You can help LNAA save lives. To make a donation, visit www.ambucopter.org.uk/donate