Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance is constantly on the move to further improve the quality of medical flight service they provide. After deciding to carry blood on board last year, the charity has decided to extend their hours of service to save more lives. Starting from the summer of 2018, the air ambulance will begin to operate for 24 hours a day.
Increased Cost of Operations Expected
With extended hours of operations, the air ambulance expects to see an increase in their cost of operations. Currently, they require £2.5 million every year to successfully operate. After offering a 24-hour service, they expect to spend at least an extra £2 million and spend around £4 million each year.
In 2017, the air ambulance also began using a new helicopter to carry out their medical flight service. The state-of-the-art AgustaWestland 169 enabled the air ambulance to improve the quality of service they’re providing to residents of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
Gradual Transition to 24-Hour Medical Flight Service
According to Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance’s chief executive officer Karen Jobling, the air ambulance wouldn’t switch to a 24-hour service overnight. Their staff is already preparing to provide extended service to the communities they serve by the end of 2018.
The team has also made provisions to continue with their emergency medical care even when their helicopter is grounded as a result of unforeseen circumstances. They have a Rapid Response Vehicle that’s been fully equipped with life-saving equipment that can help experts carry out emergency medical procedures.
The extended hours of service will be in place for a trial period of two years, during which they will closely review and analyze its performance. Through this, the air ambulance plans to ensure that they’re providing the most appropriate emergency care possible.
