Supporting the air ambulance service
By Katrina Elsey
As we enter Air Ambulance Week 2024, it’s a vital reminder of the incredible work done by air ambulance services across the UK. At Switalskis, we have seen first-hand the life-changing difference that these services make, particularly for our clients who have suffered severe and life-threatening injuries.
Air Ambulance Week, which runs from the 9th to the 15th of September, carries the theme "Today’s Supporter, Tomorrow’s Lifesaver." This message resonates deeply with us as personal injury solicitors, as we witness daily the critical role that air ambulances play in saving lives and improving outcomes for those who have been involved in serious accidents.
Our clients often find themselves in situations where every second counts. Whether it’s a road traffic accident on a remote country road or a workplace incident in an isolated area, the speed and expertise provided by the air ambulance can mean the difference between life and death. These helicopters bring the hospital to the patient, providing essential emergency care on-site and ensuring that those most in need reach the specialist treatment centres as quickly as possible.
As a personal injury representative, I cannot overstate the importance of the air ambulance service. They are often the unsung heroes in the stories of recovery and survival that we see at Switalskis. Many of our clients owe their lives to the rapid response and advanced medical care provided by these airborne emergency teams. The emotional and physical journeys that our clients undertake after life-altering injuries are vast, and the role of the air ambulance is pivotal in the first steps of that journey.
I recall a particular case where the air ambulance made all the difference. My client was involved in a severe accident in a rural location when she was charged at by a herd of cows. The swift action of the air ambulance team not only saved her life but also prevented further complications that could have led to permanent disability. Their timely intervention ensured that she was stabilised and transported to a trauma centre within the crucial 'golden hour,' significantly improving her chances of recovery.
Supporting Air Ambulance Week is not just about raising funds; it’s about acknowledging the lives that are saved every day, and the futures that are secured through their intervention. At Switalskis, we are proud to stand behind this cause and encourage everyone to get involved, as today’s supporter could very well be tomorrow’s lifesaver.
Switalskis is committed to supporting those who have been injured and their families, and we stand by the air ambulance services as they continue their life-saving work. Yorkshire Air Ambulance is one of our firm’s chosen charity partners, who we will be supporting for the next three years.
Between April 2022 and March 2023 Yorkshire Air Ambulance attended 1,634 incidents across Yorkshire – road traffic collisions were the most attended incident type. Of those attended 1,059 were actively treated at the scene by the air ambulance crew.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance is funded primarily through donations and fundraising activities and requires substantial financial support to maintain its operations. Throughout February, our staff donated clothing and shoes for sale in the charity shops. We then had a ‘Wear Yellow’ dress down day that raised £200. Find out how you can support Yorkshire Air Ambulance visit their website: www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk
Find out how Switalskis can help you
If you've suffered a personal injury due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation. At Switalskis, we have extensive experience in handling a wide range of personal injury claims. We'll take the time to understand the specifics of your case and how it's impacted your life. This way, we can make sure we're doing everything possible to help you achieve justice.
To find out how much you could be entitled to and to get the ball rolling on your personal injury claim, call Switalskis on 0800 138 0458 or email help@switalskis.com.