Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance asks for your stories to mark Air Ambulance Week
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ON average, a charity-funded air ambulance takes to the skies somewhere in the United Kingdom every 10 minutes – flying potentially life-saving care to the scene of serious illness or injury.
This week, the spotlight shines on the UK's 39 helicopter air ambulances, operated by 21 separate charities, as they mark the nationwide Air Ambulance Week from September 7 to 13.
In Scotland, the country's only charity-funded air ambulance service – Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) – has been providing vital emergency pre-hospital care since 2013.
Its helicopters, based in Perth and Aberdeen, have responded to thousands of life-threatening emergencies in every corner of Scotland and its many islands, treating patients at scene and rapidly airlifting them to definitive hospital care.
And, while the UK marks air ambulance week, SCAA is reaching out to the patients whose lives the charity has aided, as well as the many families whose lives have been impacted by the work of the dedicated crews.
The charity's chief executive David Craig explained the special role played by many of SCAA's former patients.
He said: "Each and every patient is special to SCAA and their welfare is important to us.
"Many thank us and give something back once the healing process is under way and one of the most valuable things they can do for us is share their story.
"No one tells of the work we do as powerfully and emotively as our patients.
"Their often harrowing yet uplifting personal experiences are a testament to the daily life-saving efforts, professionalism and commitment of our crews as they battle to overcome distance, time constraints, challenging weather, difficult terrain and life-threatening injury and illness.
"These stories are what inspire the people of Scotland to get behind SCAA and fund our flights and their donations are vital to keeping our service in the air."
The theme of this year's UK-wide Air Ambulance Week is "because every second counts ...", highlighting the critical impact that the speed of an air ambulance can have on a patient's chances of survival.
During August alone, that speed was brought to the fore as SCAA responded to 65 emergencies throughout the whole of Scotland. In the last year, the service has flown to more serious incidents than ever before and spent more hours than ever before flying to reach those most in need.
The SCAA relies entirely on public donations to cover their £4 million annual costs.
Anyone helped by SCAA in the past who would be willing to consider sharing their story can, as a first step and with no obligation, contact media@scaa.org.uk or telephone SCAA PR on 07778-779-888 in confidence.
