A fresh plea was made today for a second emergency helicopter in London, after the capital’s only air ambulance was unable to fly on the 10th anniversary of the 7/7 bombings.
The charity behind the service said the helicopter required unscheduled maintenance yesterday — the 50th day this year it has not been available.
During the July 7 attacks in 2005, London’s Air Ambulance flew 18 sorties. By chance, about 30 doctors and paramedics were visiting the helipad at the Royal London hospital that day, and the helicopter was able to fly them to the bomb sites and to take medicines and equipment between hospitals.
Dr Gareth Davies, medical director of London’s Air Ambulance, said: “The helicopter absolutely came into its own on the day of the 7/7 bombings. We were able to respond in a way we could never have imagined.”
London’s Air Ambulance estimates it could reach an extra 400 patients a year within the M25 with a second helicopter. Its appeal, Your London, Your Helicopter, needs £2.1 million to reach its £4.4 million target.
To donate £5 to the campaign, text HELICOPTER to 70800.
