Boris takes control
Uxbridge MP’s visit to Children’s Air Ambulance
UXBRIDGE MP Boris Johnson might be considering a change of scenery after he showed his prowess landing an air ambulance – on a simulator.
Foreign Secretary Mr Johnson took a break from the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham on Wednesday (October 5) to visit the Children’s Air Ambulance stand where he made his way onto the leaderboard.
He successfully landed the simulated helicopter on “emergency flight” in 45 seconds, and was rated as a promising new pilot.
Former Mayor of London, Mr Johnson, said: “It is outstanding work that is being done by the Children’s Air Ambulance and to have two helicopters all funded by voluntary donations is quite remarkable and a credit to all involved.”
The national Children’s Air Ambulance is the only dedicated paediatric helicopter emergency transfer in the country and has signed a new deal for two new choppers.
They are set to take to the skies next year and the operation, currently based in Coventry, hopes to expand north and south in the country.
CEO of the charity, Andy Williamson, said: “It was great to meet the Foreign Secretary and have the opportunity to tell him about our important work and exciting new expansion.
“Moving to having a helicopter in the north and a helicopter in the south means we will have the capability to reach every child who needs our help.”
Mr Williamson added that around 600 children could benefit from the helicopters, but the charity can only reach one in three currently.”
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Children’s Air Ambulance is run by The Air Ambulance service which receives no Government funding.
Transferring a child to hospital by helicopter can be up to four times quicker than by road but each trip costs and average of £2,800.