Mrs Mary Smyth Gamble

Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for the region. Serious or life-threatening situations can happen to anyone at any time and on average, every single day in Northern Ireland, one individual finds themselves in desperate need of AANI. The charity’s operational helicopter carries a crew compiling pilot, doctor, and paramedic, 365 days of the year operating for twelve hours every day.  They attend some of the most traumatic medical incidents across the province and are dedicated to delivering the very best possible pre- hospital care, both at the scene and whilst transferring the patient to the most appropriate hospital for their specific injuries. Our EC135 helicopter can get anywhere in the province in approximately twenty-five to thirty minutes and the rapid response is vital in an emergency situation.  If a patient reaches hospital within the Golden Hour (60 minutes after their injury) their chances of survival are dramatically increased.

What is not widely known is that AANI is a charity.  Each day costs in the region of £5,500 and £2m is needed each year to keep our air ambulance service operational.  AANI is fortunate to count on tremendous public support and good will, and we will never take this for granted. It’s not only the medical crew who save lives, but the people who support our service.  Thank you to everyone for your support.