Thank you for your generosity

The past week has taken the frontline team at Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) to emergencies as far afield as Campbeltown, Colonsay, Fort William, Aberfeldy and Bridge of Orchy.

The helicopter air ambulance landed at the airstrip on the island of Colonsay in response to an emergency involving a man injured in a 25 feet fall. He was flown to advanced hospital care at the Royal Alexandra Hospital at Paisley.

The long flight to Campbeltown saw the charity helicopter airlift a cardiac patient for emergency treatment at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital at Glasgow – turning what would have been a road journey of more than three hours to under half an hour by air.

A young mountain biker also had need of SCAA’s rapid and expert response when he suffered serious leg injuries in a fall on a track near Bridge of Orchy.

SCAA paramedics treated the injured cyclist at scene and then airlifted him to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital at Glasgow for further care.

SCAA’s speedy responses also make it an invaluable resource when critical care teams need to be at the scene of an incident as quickly as possible.

This came to the fore this week when SCAA was called on to airlift the Paediatrics Retrieval Team from Glasgow to Fort William for an emergency.

Other emergency call outs in the past week have included a cardiac emergency at Aberfeldy, where the patient was ultimately transferred to hospital by land ambulance.

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) is fully funded by public donations – it receives no Government funding.

And the lengths supporters throughout Scotland will go to in order to help fund the country’s only charity-funded air ambulance helicopter know no bounds. Every week, people in Perthshire are raising funds for the air ambulance based at Perth Airport through an ever-expanding and innovative range of events and challenges.

Others opt for regular giving through Direct Debit or Payroll Giving donations.

Some families think of SCAA even during the worst of times – when they lose a loved one – and donate funds in remembrance.

Or people may choose to name SCAA in their will.

Hundreds of people are signing up to our life-saving lottery while others ask for cash for SCAA in lieu of presents on landmark occasions.

YOUR support is the only fuel SCAA flies on!

During the year 20152016, the public raised a tremendous £506,583. A year later, it has increased to a fantastic £603,980.

SCAA really is the People’s Helicopter – funded by the people of Scotland for the people of Scotland. Thank you.

SCAA volunteers would be delighted to see you if you’re attending Perth Show this week (Friday and Saturday, August 4 and 5).

The charity has a stand at the show where they will be holding a fundraising tombola and a prize draw for a HUGE teddy bear.

The stand will also offer information on the work of SCAA and branded merchandise as well as a mini helicopter for the kids and a watering stop for dogs.

■ Have you been helped by SCAA? No one tells of the impact Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance is making better than the people whose lives have been touched by the fast- response service.

Patients who are willing to share their story and experiences help SCAA to publicise and promote their life-saving service. If the charity flew to the aid of you or a loved one, they would love to hear from you.

Share your story by contacting media@scaa.org. uk