Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (usually called SCAA) was the subject of a most interesting talk to Largs Probus Club by Douglas Annan who volunteers for the organisation along with his wife. Douglas advised that the SCAA is Scotland’s only charity-funded air ambulance service. Its mission is to make sure that “no one in Scotland suffers or dies because medical help can’t get there in time.” Working alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service the SCAA respond to serious accidents and medical emergencies. It uses helicopters and rapid-response vehicles staffed by specialist paramedics and pilots to reach patients quickly — especially in remote rural areas, islands, mountains, and difficult terrain where road ambulances may take too long. Douglas illustrated his talk with action videos of the helicopter getting airborne with paramedics.

The charity operates from bases in Perth and Aberdeen and can usually be airborne within about five minutes of an emergency call. The helicopters cover around 30,000 square miles across Scotland and responds to trauma incidents, cardiac arrests, farming accidents, road crashes, and other life-threatening emergencies 365 days a year. 

SCAA says fast treatment during the “Golden Hour” after a major injury or illness can dramatically improve survival and recovery chances. In terms of funding, SCAA receives no statutory government funding for its operations but instead it is funded almost entirely through public donations, fundraising events, corporate partnerships, grants from trusts and foundations, major philanthropic gifts and its charity lottery. Douglas advised that the charity currently needs to raise about £10 million per year to keep the service operating.

Following a lively question and answer session, Bernie Rafferty thanked Douglas for a most interesting talk. A collection was held for the charity and members bought a selection of SCAA merchandise.

Why not join us at our next meeting?

New members are always welcomed at the Club. If you are 50 or over, retired, or nearing retirement, (men only, I’m afraid, sorry ladies) you can attend three meetings as a guest and find out what a relaxed and friendly time we have.  That’s plenty of time to decide whether to become a Club member or not. Please check out our programme and fill in our Contact Form if you wish to attend as a guest, or to enquire about joining.

Largs Probus Club will next meet in the Willowbank Hotel on Wednesday 13^th May at 10am when Marian McNeill will give a talk on the Inverclyde Sky Watchers, a friendly group of amateur astronomers.