Air Ambulances UK partners with DHL Express

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is one of 21 air ambulance charities.

The national charity Air Ambulances UK is partnering with global logistics company DHL Express to raise funds to support air ambulance charities across the UK.

Donations will be distributed equally across all 21 charities to help ensure crews can continue to deliver advanced pre-hospital care to people experiencing life-threatening injury or illness. As part of the partnership, DHL Express UK is encouraging its to volunteer and support their local air ambulance charity.

The life-saving work of Air Ambulances UK resonates with DHL Express UK staff, many of whom spend their working hours driving across the UK, said John Cornish, CEO of the logistics specialist. “Serious accidents on the road demand rapid, specialist care, and air ambulance crews are often the vital link between the scene and hospital treatment,” he said. “We’re proud to support AAUK’s work, helping ensure these teams can continue delivering advanced care when every second matters.”

Mark Heaven, head of Corporate Fundraising at Air Ambulances UK added: “Their support will make a real difference to air ambulance charities across the UK, helping ensure critical care teams can respond quickly and effectively. By engaging their staff in fundraising and volunteering, DHL is helping bring communities closer to the vital work of air ambulance crews every day.”

Air ambulance charities carry out an average of 134 missions every day — each funded mostly by the public, supporters, and partners. In the UK, there are 43 air ambulance helicopters operated by 21 air ambulance charities. The average cost of a helicopter mission is £4,165 compared with £2,054 for a critical care car or rapid response vehicle mission.

Meanwhile, last year Air Ambulances UK  launched a four-point plan urging  action to protect the nation’s life-saving services.

The UK air ambulance fleet is thought to include between 45–50 helicopters across the various regional charities and services. Popular types include: the H135/EC135, H145 and Leonardo AW169 and AW109/AW109SP