Air ambulance charity enlists Berghaus to equip crews

Medical charity the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) has enlisted the support of North East firm Berghaus this winter.

The Wearside based outdoor brand has donated thousands of pounds worth of clothing and equipment for GNAAS staff to use during callouts across the region and in Cumbria. The kit that has been supplied by Berghaus includes waterproof and insulated jackets that are designed for use in extreme conditions throughout the year.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service runs two emergency response teams, at Teesside International Airport and Langwathby, near Penrith.

Last year, GNAAS air ambulances responded to 1640 call-outs, assisting with many of the region’s most severely injured or ill patients.

As a charity, GNAAS relies on financial donations and other support to sustain the services that it provides.

As a result, Berghaus agreed to supply GNAAS with a set of kit for around 50 personnel, including all the doctors and paramedics who make up its two emergency response teams.

The air ambulance staff now have waterproof, down and fleece jackets, along with overtrousers and other items such as holdalls and accessories.

Gordon Ingram of Great North Air Ambulance Service said: “We work 365 days a year and need to be prepared to face the worst of the elements.

“We simply could not go out and perform effectively as a team without the right kit.

“This generous gift has ensured that one thing we don’t have to worry about is our clothing as we head out into the unknown of the next mission.”