Luing call-out marks the air ambulance’s 5,000th response

A recent call-out to the Isle of Luing’s west coast marked a special milestone for the Scottish Charity

Air Ambulance (SCAA).

The SCAA surpassed 5,000 rapid emergency responses when it was tasked with assisting a tourist on the island last week, after they had collapsed while hillwalking.

The organisation’s Helimed 76 was on a training flight over Oban when they were diverted to the medical emergency, arriving on Luing’s highest summit less than 10 minutes later.

With no medical response available on the island, firefighters made their way up the hillside to support SCAA paramedics as they administered vital pre-hospital treatment to the patient.

Firefighters then helped stretcher the man, who had been hillwalking with his wife, to the nearby helicopter and SCAA airlifted him to advanced care at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

This was a 25-minute journey by air ambulance, compared to several hours by road and ferry.

After spending the two days in hospital the man has recovered enough to return home.

This 5,000th response comes as SCAA celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, with its first call-out taking place on May 22, 2013.

Over the last 10 years the organisation has played a key role in Scotland’s nationwide emergency response, with SCAA’s two air ambulance helicopters based at Aberdeen and Perth..

SCAA chief executive, David Craig said: “Firstly, and most importantly, however, our thoughts are with the patient and we wish him a speedy and full recovery.

“In flying to his rescue, we reached a significant landmark for our charity – the 5,000th call out responded to by our crews.

“The demand on Helicopter Emergency Medical Service teams and air ambulance support continues to grow. SCAA has responded to that increasing need for emergency pre-hospital care during our 10 years in service by doubling our number of aircraft, crews and Rapid Response Vehicles and extending our operational hours.

Mr Craig added: “Our first year in operations saw us respond to 289 call outs. During the past year that figure was 963 – a clear indication of the vital and expanding role SCAA plays in Scotland’s busy emergency response network.

“SCAA is funded entirely by public donation and it is thanks to their support that SCAA has been able to sustain its life-saving service for the benefit of everyone in Scotland.”