Scots air ambulance gets cash boost 04 | 05 | 2016
SCOTLAND’S CHARITY AIR AMBULANCE (SCAA) has received a further donation from the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW).
The group presented the SCAA’s Fiona Dennis, Community Fundraiser for the only air ambulance in Scotland supported by public donations, with a cheque for £1000.
The money was raised through a raffle at the 2015 Scottish Car of the Year awards and takes the total given by the ASMW towards this vital emergency service to £2500.
Operational since May 2013, SCAA has attended 1035 call-outs and recently took delivery of a newer rescue helicopter that’s capable of flying longer distances and has more space on board.
The unit, which is based at Perth Airport, costs £2 million a year to run and is crewed by five paramedics and two pilots. Working in cooperation with the NHS and other emergency services, a fully-equipped rapid response vehicle is also located on site.
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“Our donation to SCAA is about more than just the money,” ASMW President, Stephen Park, said. “It’s about raising awareness of a fantastic life-saving service which relies on public donations to keep this helicopter in the air.
“I’ve witnessed first-hand the incredible work carried out by air ambulance crews, more often than not in extremely difficult circumstances. We are very fortunate to have a facility like SCAA based at a location which allows 90% of Scotland’s population to be accessed within a 15-30 minute flight.
“The ASMW is greatly indebted to those who attended our Scottish Car of the Year awards for their support and we look forward to raising more money for charity when the event returns to Edinburgh’s Marriott Dalmahoy on Friday, November 4, 2016.”
Accepting the cheque, SCAA’s Fiona Dennis added: “We are very grateful for this donation which helps keep Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance helicopter and its on-board paramedics in the air to support those in need across the whole of Scotland.”
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Jim McGill
Caption: Paramedic John Pritchard (centre right) accepts the cheque on behalf of SCAA from ASMW President Stephen Park (centre left). Also in the picture is Paramedic Graeme Hay and ASMW Treasurer Ally Ballingall.