Young casualties flown to hospital (From Salisbury Journal)

Young casualties flown to hospital

9:50am Tuesday 21st February 2012 in New Forest News By Miranda Robertson

HAMPSHIRE and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) provided vital treatment to seven children and young people in the first four weeks of 2012.

The casualties included a 12-year-old Alderholt girl who fell off her horse.

Injuries and life-threatening illnesses, ranging from scalds to road traffic accidents and collapses, were treated by the air ambulance doctors and paramedics, and the youngsters were flown quickly to the most appropriate hospital for their needs.

John Perry, chief executive of the charity, said: “People might be surprised that many children are airlifted by the air ambulance but, as so many children and young people are involved regularly in outdoor activities, sadly there is an ongoing regular demand.

“Combine this with the unfortunate occurrence of road traffic accidents involving children, plus other accidents and sudden illnesses, and it means that our crews are regularly treating and airlifting sometimes very young children and babies.

“The ability of the air ambulance to convey children directly to the best hospital for their needs, falling well within the ‘golden hour’ which is so crucial to the outcome for patients, means that these children are given the very best chance of a full recovery.

“Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance receives no Government funding and relies totally on the generosity of the people and businesses of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to keep flying, and helping to save these precious young lives.”

l HIOWAA became operational on July 1, 2007, and has since undertaken nearly 3,500 missions, many of which have saved lives, and flies seven days a week, being called to missions many times a day.

To keep the air ambulance flying, the charity needs to raise more than £3,600 a day.

To get involved, go to hiow-airambulance.org.uk or call 023 8033 3377.