Local MP Mary Macleod has called for more to be done to support the London Air Ambulance Service during a visit to their helipad site and training facility. Mary commented, “London is a large and dynamic city and it is reassuring that our air ambulance service is equipped with the technology and staff that reflect that. I was however surprised that the whole of London has only one air ambulance, especially given that we are hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games this year as well as other major international events.”

London’s Air Ambulance, which is a registered charity, was founded in 1990 and is supported mainly by donations from individuals and organisations, as well as additional funding from the NHS. The helicopter, a MD902 Explorer twin engine is one of a new generation of aircraft chosen for its safety features which include no tail rotor, important in an urban environment.  It has been specially adapted to allow patients to be treated to the standard of an intensive care unit in flight as well as the unique ability of being able to treat extreme trauma patients on site.

Mary met with London Air Ambulance Executive Director Dr Julian Thompson at the Whitechapel based helipad which serves all 11 million London residents and workers within the M25. Mary commented, “The London Air Ambulance team do a fantastic job and provide a vital emergency service London wide. It is my hope we can do all that we can to ensure that they receive the financial support that they need to continue their international reputation for excellence.”

For more information about the London Ambulance Service please visit www.londonsairambulanceservice.co.uk