London’s Air Ambulance celebrates 25 years

On 9 January, London’s Air Ambulance celebrated 25 years of service to London.

The air medical service, which was formed following a report by the Royal College of Surgeons that stated too many people were dying in the street unnecessarily, has delivered advanced trauma care, including roadside open chest surgery, anaesthesia and blood transfusions that have been adopted throughout the world.

Graham Hodgkin, chief executive of London’s Air Ambulance, said: ‘It is thanks to the generosity of the people of London that we are here today commemorating this milestone. 30,000 people have benefited from our life saving service and many of our critically injured patients have returned to their families and communities to live healthy lives.’

Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: ‘I would like to thank everyone involved in the vital work London’s Air Ambulance has done over the last 25 years to help deliver life-saving treatment to thousands of people. It is a charity that has become very close to the hearts of all Londoners, as I am sure the many dedicated people who help to run the service to keep it operating will attest.’

Taken from Journal of Paramedic Practice, published 27 January 2014.