While many families are preparing for Christmas Day, the crews at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance will be on duty as usual, ready to respond to life-threatening emergencies across the region.
Last December, the charity attended 227 potentially life-saving incidents, including 10 emergencies on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. This year, the service will once again operate every day over the festive period, by both air and road.
Specialist Paramedic Oliver Saddler, who will be on shift this Christmas, said crews start early, preparing equipment, vehicles and aircraft before remaining on constant standby. He said:
“We provide a service 365 days a year and, in many ways, Christmas Day is no different.
“Without the generosity of our supporters, we wouldn’t have the privilege of providing critical care to people in our community when they need us most.”
Alongside air operations, the charity will also deploy emergency response vehicles, allowing teams to respond quickly in built-up areas while maintaining helicopter cover across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
One of those helped is Jeanette Trebilcock, who collapsed at her home in Eastleigh and suffered a cardiac arrest during the festive period. After CPR was started by her family and neighbour, the Air Ambulance team provided advanced pre-hospital care before she was taken to hospital. She said:
“If it wasn’t for them doing CPR, I wouldn’t be here now. No doubt about it.
“I’ve been given a second chance.”
Watch the video below to hear from Oliver and learn more about how the Air Ambulance continues to save lives over Christmas.
Those wishing to support the charity this festive season can donate at www.hiowaa.org/donate.