The support of our volunteers

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 3 - CONNECTING WITH THE PEOPLE OF LONDON THE SUPPORT OF OUR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are a crucial part of London’s Air Ambulance Charity team, with 180 volunteers taking part in activities over the year. Volunteers supported some of our biggest events, including the Gala event, Lord’s Cricket Ground collection, Helipad Abseil event and the Pop Choir Christmas Carols event.

In June 2019 volunteers had the opportunity to visit the helipad to observe a series of moulages run by our crew. During the session, volunteers saw first-hand how our team operate on scene, seeing procedures such as intubation and thoracotomy. This gave them an insight to exactly what our teams do to treat our patients on scene. Recognising the support our volunteers give us throughout the year is really important to the charity. In November 2019, we ran our annual volunteers recognition evening. The event is our opportunity to say a heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers for all they have done for our charity over the previous 12 months. Volunteers heard from former patient Nigel, who told his story of being treated at the roadside by our team and going on to become a volunteer for the charity. He was joined by the paramedic who treated him, Richard Webb-Stevens, who gave his insight to what happened to Nigel as one of those treating him. Thank you to our partner, Informa, who kindly hosted the event.

CASE STUDY: ASHLEIGH, SUPPORTER CARE VOLUNTEER

“I enjoyed volunteering for an important cause. As a student I was able to have flexibility in my hours and be able to do as much as I could, when I could, and didn’t feel pressured to do too much.

“Volunteering with London’s Air Ambulance has given me a big insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes to help such an important cause support itself. I was also able to not just spend some time in the office, but also went out co-piloting – distributing and collecting donations pots.

“I made some good connections there and have gained invaluable experience from my time both in the office as well as in co-piloting. As a student, volunteering here is a really good opportunity to expand your mind and to help and support such an important charity. I would recommend this to anyone who has as little as an hour or two a week to volunteer with London’s Air Ambulance Charity”.

Paramedic Bill Leaning and volunteer Triny at Shadwell Fire Station open day