Following approval of proposals for a new airbase in Southampton, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) has started its largest-ever fundraising campaign.
The organization has already received the £9 million required to purchase the facility; however, an additional £3.6 million is required for the site’s equipment and conversion into an office and hangar with a helipad and hangar doors.
Since 2007, HIOWAA has operated out of Thruxton in Andover.
However, the southern parts of the county, including Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight, receive 70% of its callouts.
The air ambulance will be able to reach nearly every possible patient within 10 minutes of takeoff after moving to a new facility close to Southampton Airport; now, some callouts take 20 minutes or more.
Additionally, this would make it easier for the volunteer teams to refuel and resupply in between flights, enabling them to handle more situations.
In order to save money, the charity’s administrative division would also relocate to Southampton, housing the two teams under one roof.
CEO Richard Corbett stated: “Our physicians, dispatchers, pilots, and paramedics are prepared to deliver life-saving care to seriously ill and injured patients when they require urgent critical care.”
“They are only able to do so because of the incredible generosity and love we receive from our wonderful supporters on a daily basis.
They are only able to do so because of the incredible generosity and love we receive from our amazing supporters on a daily basis.
“We can only take such a bold step because we are confident in their unwavering support.”
“This move will be the single biggest leap forward in our 17-year history,” continued clinical lead Dr. Simon Hughes.
Operating from a site that is truly central to our neighborhood has always been a dream of our staff.
Response times will be quicker, patient outcomes will be better, and lives that might have otherwise been lost will be saved from the moment we move into our new home.
The nonprofit organization is looking to collaborate with companies, organizations, and clubs as part of Operation Airbase: Save Time, Save Lives.
The Hampshire Business Awards for this year’s nominee charity is the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
