I popped in to Perth Airport to meet Gavin and the pilots and paramedics who run Scotland's charitable air ambulance service. They are doing a great job and have flown 139 missions since their start up barely 4 months ago. They are saving lives, and making a real difference. I am chair of the All Party Group for Air Ambulances in Westminster and it was good to hear their progress and discuss their operating their operating model, as not all AA are the same. The SCAA work together with the 2 preexisting Scottish NHS air Ambulances, which are located in the south and north of Scotland. Having spent the evening before near Ballater, and driven down through the Cairngorms through North Perthshire it was clear that the wonderful landscape was capable of being crossed at least 5 times more quickly by helicopter than by conventional ambulance. The need for helicopters to meet the golden hour post an accident or emergency was clear.
I am sure that they will go from strength to strength. I had a brief chat with the team in the control room, but as we were talking the "Batphone" went, and they were back to work.
I wish them well and would urge all Scots to support them.
