As reported at a press release on national TV, it was mentioned that while the crew of the North West Air Ambulance were dealing with an emergency situation in Manchester, one of the medical team had their crew helmet stolen from beside the North West Air Ambulance helicopter by a group of youths on bikes, who took it as they cycled past.
David Briggs, Operations Director at the North West Air Ambulance Charity, said: “It is really disappointing to have essential safety equipment stolen from our crews, whilst they are at scene attending to critically injured people. The charity costs £12,000,000 a year to provide lifesaving treatment to the people of the North West.
Our crews and equipment are paid for directly by our hardworking, kind and generous supporters. I’d ask those responsible to consider the impact they made, as their actions prevented us from responding to those who could be their family, friends or neighbours. Our crews are shocked and saddened by this mindless act.”
This vital piece equipment, which is worth around £2,000 and without which the medical staff are unable to fly as the helmets are highly sophisticated and custom made for the medical staff, so a replacement helmet was urgently required.
Committee members of West Lancashire Freemasons’ charity were shocked to hear of this mindless act, and the North West Ambulance Community Charity, being one of the community charities West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity supports, WLFC immediately sprang into action and were delighted to enable them to replace the crew member’s helmet, enabling a full complement of crew and medical staff to continue the excellent service they provide.
Article by Malcolm Sandywell.