Luke Myer MP has visited the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) at its Teesside base to thank their volunteers and learn more about the lifesaving work carried out by crews across the region.

The Great North Air Ambulance responds to some of the region’s most serious emergencies, bringing specialist doctors and paramedics directly to patients when every second counts. Operating from Eaglescliffe, the charity can reach Middlesbrough in around four minutes and much of East Cleveland in around five minutes. Last year alone, GNAAS attended 1,998 incidents across the North.

During the visit, Luke met the crew on duty and discussed with Chief Executive Joe Garcia MBE the current challenges facing the service. The charity currently operates two helicopters, but is raising funds towards new aircraft as its existing fleet approaches retirement.

Unlike NHS ambulance services, air ambulances receive no routine Government funding and instead rely on public donations and fundraising. GNAAS’ operating costs are around £9.6 million a year. The service currently has 149 volunteers who contributed more than 3,480 hours of their time last year – equivalent to almost 500 working days. Luke thanked the volunteers, fundraisers and supporters whose efforts help keep the service operating alongside the pilots, doctors, paramedics and dispatchers who respond to emergencies.

Luke is a strong supporter of air ambulances, with family serving as paramedics with Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT). He has previously visited London’s Air Ambulance Charity and met the doctors, paramedics and staff there.

Luke Myer MP said:

“Most of us hope we never need an air ambulance, but when the worst happens they are there in minutes, bringing hospital-level care directly to the scene.

“The skill, professionalism and dedication of the crews is extraordinary, and I was grateful to hear more about the work they do across our region every day.

“I also want to pay tribute to the volunteers, fundraisers and supporters who help make this service possible. The Great North Air Ambulance saves lives across Teesside and beyond, and it deserves our thanks and support.”

If you are in a position to support the Great North Air Ambulance, go to: greatnorthairambulance.co.uk/support-us/donations/