Scotland’s first charity-funded air ambulance helicopter takes to the skies today.
The helicopter, which will cost around £1.5 million a year to operate, has been launched with cash from public and private organisations.
Based at Perth Airport, Helimed 76 will respond to emergency calls 10 hours a day, seven days a week.
The helicopter will supplement four government-funded aircraft based in Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen.
John Bullough, chairman of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA), said: “This will be the people’s air ambulance, funded by the public and supported by communities the length and breadth of the country who recognise the value of fast-reaction clinical air support in the face of mishap, illness and tragedy.
“We’ve been really heartened by the amazing support the charity has received in order to bring us to operational readiness. But we need the help of everyone in Scotland to keep the country’s charity air ambulance flying in the months and years ahead.”Photo gallery: Air ambulance takes to the skiesIn England and Wales 18 charitable trusts currently fund 32 helicopters and the SCAA hopes that Scots will provide similar support to cover the costs of the craft, pilots and paramedics.
Pauline Howie, chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said the helicopter was a welcome addition to its fleet.
She said: “The additional helicopter will bring more flexibility and resilience to air ambulance operations across Scotland. It will be crewed by our own paramedics and tasked by our Ambulance Control Centre in the same way as our own aircraft.”
Health Secretary Alex Neil said: “The Scottish Ambulance Service air ambulance is the only publicly-funded air ambulance service in the UK and it continues to providing a vital service for patients across Scotland. I hope that this new charity funded air ambulance will help to enhance the provision of air ambulances across the country.
“It is important that patients can rely on the provision of a safe, responsive and high-quality air ambulance service and the funds raised by this charity will help to continue to deliver a world-class, future-proof service that has been specifically designed to benefit patients throughout Scotland.”
For special coverage, including our reporter’s experience trying out the service, see Wednesday’s Courier or try our digital edition.