EMERGENCY support from air ambulances will be available into the night from today following a partnership between the Thames Valley and Hampshire air services. 

The two services officially begin night-time helicopter emergency medical services tonight, (Wednesday) meaning there will be full medical coverage across the South Central Ambulance area for 19 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Currently the air ambulance cannot attend emergencies past 7pm in the evening, but this is now extended to 2am in the morning. 

Sir Tim Jenner, Thames Valley Air Ambulance chairman, said: “Our unique partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance ensures there is a dedicated crew operational for an additional seven hours every night until 2am covering the whole of the South Central region and the Isle of Wight.

“Working in close partnership with SCAS (South Central Ambulance Service) to man and deploy the service, our doctor-led crews deliver an advanced level of critical care to stabilise patients at the scene, identify their medical needs and get them to the most appropriate hospital for specialist care in the quickest time possible.”

The helicopter, an Airbus H135, is flown by trained Bond pilots who have the latest-generation night-vision goggles to tackle emergencies across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The machines are equipped with a range of life-saving equipment from ultrasound devices, blood transfusion kits and an immediate blood analyser. 

Sir Tim said: “We are extremely proud of our air ambulance and its crew and the high standard of expertise and capability which is a result of the very close partnerships we have with South Central Ambulance Service, the NHS and Bond.

“Our teams work tirelessly each day and night; not only to deliver a unique life-saving service but to develop their knowledge and training to ensure we continue to advance on-scene patient care.

“It is also important to remember that our ambition of delivering a gold standard service is dependent on the generosity of the people, companies and organisations who support us, to whom we are very grateful.”