Care in the air for poorly youngsters
Children’s Air Ambulance mascot Blade the bear reveals everything you need to know about this vital service
THE Children’s Air Ambulance offers intensive care in the air, transferring very poorly children quickly between hospitals so they can receive the treatment they need. Blade the air ambulance bear touched down to answer our questions about this vital service.
How many Children’s Air Ambulances are there?
There are two national Children’s Air Ambulances – one is based in Doncaster and the other in Oxford.
Both helicopters are super hightech and provide intensive care in the air for really poorly babies and children.
How fast can they fly?
The Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA) flies at a top speed of 165mph – around four times faster than the same journey by road.
How high does it go?
This can vary depending on the weather and other factors. The aircraft and pilots are able to fly up to 10,000ft but we usually fly much lower at around 2,000ft above the ground.
Does TCAA fly a lot?
Yes, it flies whenever a very poorly baby or child needs to be transferred – very quickly – from one hospital to another for specialist care.
Apart from the pilot, is there a crew?
TCAA flies with two pilots on board and works with 10 NHS clinical partner teams across the UK.
The clinical partners are specialist teams who also fly onboard the helicopter with their little patient or, if the patient is too poorly to fly, the specialist team will be flown to them instead.
What qualities do you need to be an air ambulance pilot?
Pilots need to be very attentive and have the ability to concentrate for long periods.
All of the pilots have very good communication skills as they communicate with other pilots, air traffic control and clinicians.
Maths is also important as there are lots of calculations involved too!
Why is the air ambulance green?
The aircraft colour scheme was designed for TCAA following the initial launch.
All of the air ambulance services have a bespoke
design so we stand out!
TCAA has a children’s club called #thecrew.
For information see theairambulanceservice. org.uk/childrens-airambulance/