Midlands Air Ambulance predicts rise in call-outs during summer of sport

The charity, which treats up to 12 patients every day in the region, believes the increase in tourists in the area during July and August will result in a greater number of call-outs to those suffering a serious medical emergency or trauma-related incident. It has reassured the public it has the capability and resources to handle the predicted rise in mission numbers.

Karen Baker, clinical services manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “The six counties we cover have a population of more than six million people in total and one of the busiest motorway networks in the country, so we are used to dealing with a number of incidents of a severe nature every single day.

“We are looking forward to the region’s summer of sport and it will be a great boost to the Midlands’ tourist industry and economy.

"An additional one million people are expected in the area in the coming weeks, and we predict that we could be tasked to a further two-to-three potentially life-threatening incidents each day.

"With three air ambulance helicopters and three critical care cars on standby, with advanced clinical teams on-board, we would like to reassure the communities we serve that we have the ability and capacity to take on these additional call-outs and will continue to rapidly provide enhanced care to patients in the region when they need it most.”

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity covers the West Midlands, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. It relies on donations from the public and local businesses to fund its daily missions. Each air ambulance mission costs £2,950 and each critical care car mission cost £288. To support the service, visit midlandsairambulance.com/donatenow