Missions to Mull and Arran for SCAA crew

The urgent need to get sick patients from remote rural areas to advanced hospital care at major centres prompted flights for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) to the islands of both Mull and Arran this week.

The patient from Mull was airlifted to Lorne and Isles Hospital at Oban while the airlift from Arran saw the patient transferred to Crosshouse Hospital at Kilmarnock.

SCAA also took to the air this week to attend an emergency on the West Highland Way, near Balmaha, where a man injured his hand in a fall.

The helicopter air ambulance was able to land very close to the accident and airlift the patient to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow – just minutes away by air.

And an accident at an Aberdeenshire farm saw the crew attend a man who sustained crush injuries to his foot. SCAA treated the man at scene and then airlifted him to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for advanced care.

* * * Donations from fundraisers and supporters handed in at SCAA’s Perth Airport base this week include a “blooming” great £2,125 from Scone and District Horticultural Society.

And thanks to the staff at the Royal Bank of Scotland branch in Aberfeldy who organised an Easter Hamper raffle and raised £163 for SCAA.

Pitlochry Bowling Club has donated £75 to the airborne emergency service in memory of the late Jessie Coghill. And a gentleman from Crieff has gifted £91.50 in memory of his wife.

* * * Many supporters opt to make straightforward donations when they can – without any fundraising or sponsored event. This week, for example, a gentleman from the Aberfeldy area kindly donated £24 to assist the charity’s work.

*** Locally placed SCAA collecting cans emptied this week include those from: The Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum (£109.05); The Country Store, Kinloch Rannoch (£130.70) and Brodies Mini Market, Tyndrum (£155).

*** Young and old are signing up to take part in the challenging fun of this year’s Lanrick Challenge at Doune on Saturday, August 5, to raise funds for SCAA and Perthshire-based charity The Sandpiper Trust.

Supported by the Royal Marines of 45 Commando, the 48 obstacle course takes participants through 12k or 6k of stunning countryside as they climb, slide, crawl and run their way to the finishing line.

And there’s even a Mini Mud Run for kids aged five-12 years who want to join in the fun. Find out more or register for the event by visiting www. lanrickchallenge.com.

* * * 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 fastresponse emergency service.

Patients who are willing to share their story and experiences help SCAA to publicise and promote their lifesaving 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.