64. The Up Against Time Appeal, London’s Air Ambulances, 9 November 2023

London’s air ambulances need replacing in 2024.  The air ambulances have been flying since September 1989.  They are run by a charity and 96% of their income is from public support.  Their current helicopters can no longer be serviced in the UK, spares are increasingly difficult to find, and unexpected maintenance is increasing.

Along with other Livery Masters I attended a briefing on behalf of the Water Conservators on their plan to raise £10.5 million towards the £15 million needed to replace their two helicopters with two more efficient, more reliable, cost-effective Airbus helicopters with better endurance.  They expect to treat more than 25,000 patients over the next 15 years.  The new aircraft are more compact, able to land in smaller areas, equipped with better management systems, including 3D mapping, and able to fly after dark.

Through several presentations we saw and heard about the use of the helicopters and how their paramedics save lives through accessing most places within the M25 within six minutes of a call, either providing comprehensive medical care in situ or with rapid transport to a medical facility.  We heard poignant experiences where as a result of accidents people came incredibly close to dying and they were saved by the speed of response.

It was a challenging evening, which demonstrated the value of the contributions by the Livery.  The largest contribution however, was by the London Masons. This event was held in their hall.