Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) has received a funding boost for night flying operations following a grant from the Postcode Community Trust.  

 

The helicopter charity was recently awarded £15,300 to aid the purchase of specialist night-flying equipment for use by the onboard medical team, known as the Welsh Flying Medics, and the pilots. 

 

The grant came after a successful application to the Postcode Community Trust which is directly supported by the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.  

 

Mark Stevens, WAA Fundraising Manager, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you not only to the Postcode Community Trust for this grant but also the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. This extremely generous award will allow us to purchase night vision equipment which will prove invaluable during the darker evenings.” 

 

Dr David Rawlinson, Welsh Flying Medics Clinical Informatics Manager, said: “This funding is vital to support our work, particularly during the winter months where it will allow crews to respond by air from sunset until we finish at 8pm.  The provision of night vision goggles and specialist helmets will also support the Charity's long-term vision of providing a 24/7 service.” 

 

WAA is the national air ambulance service for Wales providing emergency medical assistance by air to whoever may need it, 365 days a year. Operating daily between 8am-8pm, WAA is the UK’s largest air ambulance operational with four helicopters based across the country. On average, the Charity attends 2,500 missions each year and needs to raise £6.5 million annually to keep the helicopters flying.

 

Wales Air Ambulance can be there for anyone in Wales within 20 minutes, with bases in Llanelli, Cardiff, Welshpool and Caernarfon. The ‘Welsh Flying Medics’ on-board Wales Air Ambulance use pioneering techniques and advanced equipment – bringing the A&E directly to the patient wherever they may be.

 

Mark added: “It is part of our long-term vision to provide a 24-hour service. It is only through projects such as the Postcode Community Trust and the generosity of the people of Wales that we are able to edge closer to this goal.”