Air Ambulance gets £160,000 boost from the Lions to fight COVID-19

Air ambulances across the British Isles will receive vital equipment for use in their battle against COVID-19 – thanks to a generous £160,000 donation from the Lions.

Air ambulance charities have been busier than ever during the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to their ‘day job’ - responding to accidents, traumatic incidents and medical emergencies - air ambulances are supporting the COVID-19 response to help reduce the huge burden on the NHS and other public services.

Research undertaken by Lions Clubs of the British Isles and Air Ambulances UK sought to understand the impact of COVID-19 on air ambulance services across the country.

Lions Clubs’ council chair, Stewart Sherman-Kahn said: “We found that involvement in COVID-19 relief has affected fund-raising and created considerable extra – unbudgeted – day-to-day costs.

"So, working with Air Ambulances UK, we compiled a list of equipment and supplies requested by air ambulance charities themselves – totalling £161,468.

“During lockdown, Lions clubs have continued to help out in their local communities, and we’ve already given £140,000 in grants to foodbanks and other causes.

"Now, thanks to an emergency COVID-19 relief grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation, we can provide immediate support for an emergency service that touches lives in all our local communities.”

Equipment and supplies funded by the Lions includes isolation capsules and decontamination units, separation screens, PPE, ventilators, respirators and hoods, a thermal screening camera and monitoring system, compression devices, fluid warmers, an ultrasound cardiac probe, and mobile connectivity devices.

Heather Benjamin, chair of Air Ambulances, UK, said: “The donation of equipment and supplies by Lions helps air ambulance charities to support the COVID-19 response and their communities in these extraordinary times and beyond.”

The 20 air ambulance charities based in the British Isles operate 38 helicopters and critical care cars.