Air ambulances across Britain will receive vital equipment in the battle against Coronavirus – thanks to a generous £160,000 grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation.
Lions Clubs’ District Governor David Butler for the South East said “We know that air ambulance charities have been busier than ever during the Coronavirus pandemic. They’ve faced considerable extra – unbudgeted – day to day costs – at the same time as lockdown has affected fund-raising. Now, thanks to an emergency COVID-19 relief grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation, we can provide immediate support for this emergency service that touches lives in all our local communities.”
Working with Air Ambulances UK, Lions Clubs compiled a list of equipment and supplies needed by individual air ambulance charities – totalling £161,468.
Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) will be receiving £9,834 from this funding.
Local Lions have continued to support their communities facing difficulties due to the Coronavirus. This latest boost for air ambulance charities comes on top of £140,000 awarded in grants to foodbanks and other causes nominated by Lions clubs across the British Isles.
As well as their ‘day job’ – responding to accidents, traumatic incidents and medical emergencies – air ambulances are supporting the Coronavirus response to help reduce the huge burden on the NHS and other public services.
The equipment and supplies they requested, which has been funded by the Lions Clubs International Foundation grant, includes isolation capsules and decontamination units, separation screens, PPE, ventilators, respirators and hoods, a thermal screening camera and monitoring system, compression devices, fluid warmers, an ultrasound cardiac probe, and mobile connectivity devices.
Heather Benjamin, Chair of Air Ambulances, UK said: “The donation of equipment and supplies by Lions helps air ambulance charities to support the COVID-19 response and their communities in these extraordinary times and beyond.”
David Welch, CEO of KSS said: “We’re incredibly thankful to the Clubs International Foundation for their support during this difficult time. We are reliant on the generosity of our donors and supporters and I’d like to extend my sincere thanks on behalf of every patient we care for. We anticipated a shortfall of £2.9 million pounds, which was a projected loss of fundraising income due to the Coronavirus. Our Coronavirus Emergency Appeal is an urgent call for support, so that we continue our life-saving work.
“We urge everyone to donate to our appeal, if possible, so that we can continue to save as many lives as possible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
Click here if you’d like to donate to the KSS Coronavirus Emergency Appeal.
