Air ambulance comes to Cookham celebration tea (From Bucks Free Press)

Air ambulance comes to Cookham celebration tea

2:42pm Wednesday 17th June 2009 in News By Sandra Carter

THE critical role played by the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust was highlighted when its 10th anniversary celebration tea was interrupted by a 999 call-out to a medical emergency. This was just the latest in more than 11,000 missions flown by the air ambulance over the decade.

Paramedics, doctors, pilots and supporters enjoyed a cream tea celebration at Odney Club in Cookham on Sunday, with the latest in emergency medical aircraft design, the EC 135 Eurocopter, on hand for guests to inspect.

Guests also heard Mary Shuttle relate how she survived an accident on the Thames because of the speed of the air ambulance’s arrival.

 The charity’s chairman of trustees, Colin Lee, said: “Mary’s address was very evocative. We rarely know who the patients we have airlifted are or what subsequently happens to them unless they contact us to let us know.  Mary called on more former patients to get in touch and tell us their story so we can use their experiences to promote our work for the good of others.”

Colin reminded guests that the current economic climate would adversely affect charitable giving, adding: “Now is not the time for self-congratulation but a time to redouble our efforts and continue with the relentless task of raising the £2 million we need each year without any contribution from government or national lottery sources.”

To find out more visit www.tvacaa.org.