General

Statement on behalf of Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust:

As the situation regarding Coronavirus intensifies across our region, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) have taken the difficult decision to re-deploy some of their key medical personnel to allow YAS and the NHS to provide as much frontline care as possible.

This means, that effective from today (Monday 30th March), all YAA Doctors will concentrate on their frontline roles, which are Consultants in emergency medicine, anaesthesia and critical care, ensuring their primary roles are focused upon in their respective hospitals.

Along with this, a small number of the YAA’s highly skilled Critical Care Paramedics will be re-deployed to support YAS frontline personnel working on ambulances.

This means that the YAA, for a temporary period, will be operating only one of their Air Ambulance helicopters from their airbase at Nostell, near Wakefield, in the heart of Yorkshire.

Peter Sunderland, YAA Chairman explains: “In the midst of this unprecedented crisis, the YAA wants to do everything it can to support the NHS and YAS in their fight against COVID-19. It is important that everyone does their part, including us.

“As the cases of COVID-19 rise, it also increases the pressure on the NHS. We know that YAS anticipates a significant increase in 999 calls across the region and by redeploying our Doctors and a small number of our Critical Care Paramedics back to their respective hospitals or ambulance operations, we can do our bit to support the frontline effort.”

Peter continues: “This means, for a temporary period, we will be operating only one of our two helicopters from our Nostell airbase, with a crew of two Critical Care Paramedics and a Pilot.

We would also strongly reinforce the government’s message to stay at home during this crisis, and stay local to your home for your daily exercise period. Travelling further afield in cars to places like forests or moorlands can increase the risk of possible unnecessary accidents such as RTC’s or falls where our services might be required. With a reduced service currently available from the YAA, it’s vitally important we are available for the most urgent cases.”

The YAA will be operating a daily shift from 7am to 7pm from their Nostell Airbase until the Doctors and Paramedics are able to re-join them: this is under regular review.

Nick Smith, Executive Director of Operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust added: “We are operating in an unprecedented situation and coronavirus is presenting the whole NHS with arguably the greatest challenge it has ever faced. This means that we have to be flexible and resilient in our approach to ensure patients receive the care they need. Whilst it has been a difficult decision to temporarily re-deploy some of the clinicians on the region’s air ambulance operation, it’s the right thing to do for the circumstances we find ourselves in.”

Peter concludes “It is no secret that we have seen a huge downturn in fundraising incomes and activities in the last couple of weeks. A calendar packed full of summer events and activities has virtually been wiped out, with an estimated loss of income for this period alone being in the region of £400,000 plus. We have now closed our Head Office in Elland, and the rest of the team are working at home for their own safety. They are working extremely hard behind the scenes to ensure we are ready to get straight back to our fundraising activities once things start to get back to some normality, and we’re also taking the opportunity to explore and plan some new projects for the future.

“We understand that this is an extremely difficult time for everyone, but if anyone wishes to make a small donation to support us at this time, it would be very gratefully received and can be done safely and securely via our website: www.yaa.org.uk/donate.

The Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association presented a cheque of £18, 382.54 to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, following a successful 10 months of fundraising by over 65 branches throughout Yorkshire.

The money has been raised by over 2000 members at events such as garden parties, mad hatters tea parties, wheelbarrow races and auctions amongst others. Glenys Rowe, member of the Forge Valley Branch, designed an Air Ambulance tapestry from which she has raised over £1500 by selling stitches to complete it.

Anita Taylor, YCA County Chairman, said: “Last year our ladies chose a worthwhile charity to support and as the YAA has come to so many people’s rescue, we decided it was time for us to help them out too.

“The members of the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association are a versatile bunch and have really enjoyed coming up with new ideas to raise funds whilst enjoying each other’s company.”

Anita Continued “Working with the YAA has been a great experience for us all. Not only have we raised such a fantastic sum but we have raised our membership number too with new ladies joining us every week after seeing how creative, crafty and community minded we are.”

Glenys Rowe, Chairman of the Homecrafts Committee, said: “I asked an artist friend to create an Air Ambulance design on a tapestry for me which I could sell stitches from. It has been a huge success and I’ve taken it everywhere from the regional shows in Yorkshire to the Goldwing Motorbike Light Parade in Scarborough, people are very interested in the tapestry and why we are doing it and it’s great to have a natter about it.”

Representatives from the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association presented the cheque to Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew at their airbase last Saturday. In attendance were Kevin Hutchinson, Community Fundraiser for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Paramedics Sammy Wills and YAA consultant Steve Rowe.

Kevin Hutchinson, Community Fundraiser for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association for raising an incredible £18,382.54 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance

The money raised will help tremendously towards the vital funding of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and help us continue saving lives across the region.”

To mark Road Safety Week (18 November) emergency services including West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Yorkshire Air Ambulance have joined together to offer a unique insight into the work of the emergency services when at the scene of a collision.

The video which can be viewed here, features PC Wayne Mason, firefighter John Arey and chief pilot Steve Waudby, talking about their role at the scene and why they would require a road to be closed. They also talk about what the public can do to support their work and to help minimise the distress for casualties and their family members by being mindful of what they post on social media about such incidents.

The idea for the video came from a firefighter who was distressed after seeing members of the public filming the scene of a fatal road traffic collision he attended.

Firefighter John Arey said: “We want to remind the public that we’re there to help make everyone as safe as possible, which then can allow police to get the roads open and moving again. To do this we need their help, so please think about your behaviour if you do encounter an accident on West Yorkshire’s roads. Be patient and understand that we’re just trying to do our job- and the road will reopen as soon as it is safe and legal to do so.

“I have been really saddened by a small minority of people at the scene of accidents, who have driven past filming and videoing on their phones.

“As well as being dangerous, and creating the risk of causing another accident it’s also really disrespectful. Imagine if it was your loved one lying injured or killed and people were trying to film them – it’s awful.”

PC Wayne Mason from West Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit said: “It can be frustrating when you are stuck in traffic because the road ahead is closed but we don’t take these decisions lightly.

“We want to educate members of the public about the reasons why we sometimes need to close the road and why it can take some time to reopen.

“Ultimately it’s all about safety; we need to make sure the people caught up in these incidents are as safe as possible and also to keep other road users safe.

“I hope that this video shows the public why we need patience and understanding during these times. I would also urge people who think it’s acceptable to get their smart phone out and take a picture or video of the crash scene to think twice. First it’s an offence to use your mobile behind the wheel but, secondly, think of the families involved in the incident.

“You will eventually get home tonight, but their loved ones may not.”

Steve Waudby, Chief Pilot of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “While we understand that road closures can be an inconvenience, please bear with us and allow us to do our jobs.  The closures are there for both the safety of the public and also the emergency services personnel.

“There are many dangers and considerations to landing an aircraft on the motorway and it is important that the landing site is safe and secure.  Our service is there to help to try and save lives, or at least provide the very best medical care for the patient concerned.  Sadly, in some cases, it is not always the positive outcome we’d hope for, and we urge members of the public to be considerate of this.

“Road closures are only a temporary measure, but from the moment a patient is involved in an accident, their lives and their families lives will have been changed forever.  It is important that we remember this.  You will make it home eventually – unfortunately the patient involved may not be so lucky”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance ambassador Amanda Owen and her family are back on our TV screens and they are also the subject a newly-released charity Christmas card painted by a Harrogate artist.

The Yorkshire Shepherdess, who is followed by more than 1.5 million viewers in the second series of the Channel 5 documentary Our Yorkshire Farm, was the focus of a YAA charity card last year. Painted Anita Bowerman, it became the charity’s best-seller with cards flying off around the world. It showed Amanda surrounded by her beloved sheep and dogs on a harsh winter’s day.

This year’s cards have just been released and they’re already proving more popular than ever. Sold in aid of the YAA, all proceeds go directly to the charity.

Amanda said: “I am absolutely delighted to feature again on the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Christmas cards. Anita Bowerman is a fantastically-skilled artist who has a unique ability to be able to depict children and animals in wonderfully intricate detail.

“I am hopeful that these cards will go worldwide and raise much-needed funds for this incredible charity. 100% profit goes to the YAA.”

Amanda – a hill farmer, mother of nine, photographer, public speaker and a successful author – has become something of a celebrity. She lives with her husband Clive and their family at Ravenseat in Upper Swaledale, North Yorkshire – one of the highest, most remote hill farms in England.

She has always been a supporter of the work of the YAA, given the remote area they live in and nature of the work the charity undertakes, however it was an introduction through Anita that brought Amanda and the charity closer together.

Amanda explains: “I was contacted by Anita last year to ask if I’d be happy to collaborate with her and the YAA by painting me and my sheep as a scene for one of the YAA’s Christmas cards.  Obviously it was a real honour for me to accept, and the card went onto be the Charity’s best-selling Christmas card!

“I hear they were sending them out all around the world, and as far away as Canada!  We have then kept in contact since and when I was asked to be an Ambassador I was absolutely delighted – I genuinely couldn’t think of a better organisation to be involved with.  I was very emotional when they first asked me.”

Amanda added: “I am aware that living as remotely as we do the YAA is a vital service that can make the difference between life and death. We have had our fair share of medical emergencies, though are fortunate to have never yet ourselves required the services of the YAA.”

Anita said: “Painting Amanda and her family and animals is always such a joy. In the card you can see Amanda with some of her children, sheepdogs, a robin, Tony the Pony, an owl, a robin and much more. The holly hanging above them is kept in this ancient barn all year. The original painting is in my gallery in Harrogate – the Dove Tree Art gallery and Studio.

“It is a privilege to be able to support the vital work of the YAA through the sale of these cards and having Amanda as an ambassador is a bonus.”

Priced at £4 for 10 cards, they are available online at the YAA website https://www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk/product/yorkshire-shepherdess-2/ or you can call in to Anita’s Harrogate gallery – see www.anitabowerman.co.uk for location and opening times.

Anita has also illustrated two more cards for the YAA this Christmas – Ribblehead Viaduct and Malham Cove.

Copies of last year’s card are still available to buy now through the YAA website: www.yaa.org.uk/shop .

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance held their annual Recognition Awards at Oulton Hall in Leeds on the 17^th October, celebrating Yorkshire Businesses and Fundraisers from across the region, who have dedicated their time to raise money for the charity.

A judging panel handpicked the finalists from the volunteers, businesses and fundraisers who have worked tirelessly for the charity, and Jon Mitchell and Gaynor Barnes from ITV Calendar, and who are also Patrons of the charity, compered and hosted the awards.

Former Yorkshire Air Ambulance patient Stephen Croft, was awarded the Patient Fundraising Ambassador award for his service to the charity following his cardiac arrest at Barnsley’s Oakwell stadium last year.

Stephen was airlifted from the Club in September 2018 following a cardiac arrest he experienced whilst volunteering pitch side for the Barnsley vs Burton Albion game.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance landed on the pitch in front of 11,000 people and managed to resuscitate him, before airlifting Stephen to Sheffield Northern General Hospital for further treatment.

A year after his cardiac arrest, through the work Stephen and his family have done with Barnsley Football Club, they have raised almost £14,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the total is still rising.

Stephen has also inspired many local organisations and companies to support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, as well becoming a registered volunteer for the Charity, along with his wife, daughter and two friends. Through his connections with the club and his volunteering, Stephen is working to promote the work of the Charity to the people of South Yorkshire.

On the 22^nd September, Stephen and his family, along with Andrew Clark from Barnsley Football Club presented a cheque to staff and crew of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Air Support Unit in Foulby.

Speaking of his award, Stephen said: “I was very pleased and honoured to be nominated for this award. I have a lot of people to be grateful to for not only saving my life, but supporting me afterwards and helping to raise the funds and raise awareness for the air ambulance. I am eternally grateful and look forward to a long and successful time volunteering”.

Head of Marketing and Barnsley Football Club, Andrew Clark added, “The reaction of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance was integral to the saving of Steve’s life and it’s clear that the Barnsley FC family recognised that. The figure raised is testament to the generosity of our supporters and the wider footballing community, and there is  no doubt that the Club will continue to work alongside Steve and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance over the course of this campaign.”

Charlie Pearson, South Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance said: “We are delighted to recognise Stephen Crofts fundraising efforts with this year’s Patient Fundraising Ambassador Award and we are incredibly grateful for his support and dedication to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

We would also like to extend our thank you to the staff and fans of Barnsley FC for their continued support and generosity, which has helped spread the word about the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in the South Yorkshire region.”

A number of West Yorkshire businesses and fundraisers have been praised at this year’s annual Yorkshire Air Ambulance Recognition Awards.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance held the event at Oulton Hall in Leeds on the 17^th October, celebrating the Yorkshire Businesses and Fundraisers from across the region, who have dedicated their time to raise money for the charity.

A judging panel handpicked the finalists from the volunteers, businesses and fundraisers who have worked tirelessly for the charity, and Jon Mitchell and Gaynor Barnes from ITV Calendar, and who are also Patrons of the charity, compered and hosted the awards.

West Yorkshire Volunteers of the Year – Brian and Maureen Amos

Brian and Maureen from Wakefield have been very active volunteers for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance for many years. From helping out at YAA events, collecting tins and even organising their own events on their caravan site in Ulroome. Brian and Maureen are always willing to help wherever they can and are great ambassadors for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Community Group Award – Brodstock Music Festival Committee

The Community Group Award went to Brodstock, an award winning local family music festival in Hipperholme near Halifax, run entirely by a small team of dedicated volunteers.

Brodstock festival is a firm favourite for residents of West Yorkshire and last year over 4,000 tickets were sold in less than an hour, bringing their total to date to over £25,000.

Their club Old Brodleians has also been fantastic supporters of the charity since early 2012 and a very dedicated partner for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, having raised just shy of £35,000 to date.

Trusts award – West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd

Every year the Masonic Charitable Foundation donates one day’s running cost, £12,000, to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. However last year-the West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd also donated an extra £20,000 to purchase a pair of Night Vision Goggles, which has enabled the charity to extend their flying hours into the night.

Individual Support Award – Air Valley UK and Laurie Peterson Waggon and Horses

The first individual Supporter Award of the evening went to Aire Valley UK, a West Yorkshire based Harley Davidson group with approximately 300 members. Aire Valley have supported the Yorkshire Air Ambulance for a number of years at their rallies across the region, raising nearly £25, 000 for the charity.

The second Individual Support Award went to the Waggon & Horses, a small pub in the village of Fairburn near Selby, who have been supporting the Yorkshire Air Ambulance since 2016.

Each year Laurie Peterson, the landlady of the Waggon & Horses organising a family fun day and last year, the event raised an impressive £7,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. To date, Laurie and her team have now raised over £20,000.

Corporate Supporter Awards – UKAR, TOG24 & A.D.D Express

TOG24 – (Heckmondwike)

Managing Director Mark Ward collected the Corporate Supporter Award on behalf of Tog24, a Heckmondwike based company who have been supporting the Yorkshire Air Ambulance for just over 12 months in a very unique way.

The family run, third generation business have been generously donating their factory seconds to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance  free of charge, and allowing us to generate extra funds at events across the region by selling them on Yorkshire Air Ambulance stalls.

In little more than 12 months, the YAA have generated approximately £45,000 from TOG24 items and we are extremely grateful for their support.

UKAR (Bingley)

UK Asset Resolution, based in Bingley West Yorkshire took home the second West Yorkshire Corporate award. UKAR have supported the charity since 2013 and to date have raised over £50,000.

Each year colleagues of UKAR vote to support a local charity and Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been a long standing favourite.

Through a dedicated charity committee, each year they plan and organise various charity fundraising events from internal office games, to team building, sponsored events and this year they hosted their very own Yellow Yorkshire duck race along the beck which runs by their office. They also share an office block with a separate company called Computer Share who have also been great supporters of the YAA and together they have done many joint fundraising activities

A.D.D Express (Elland)

The last of the Corporate Supporter awards went to ADD Express LTD in Elland, who have been offering storage solutions for the Charities merchandise, products and event equipment for a number of years now.  Their support allows bulk merchandise and products to be delivered safely to their warehouse and stored securely.  A vitally crucial support mechanism for the YAA, it was only right A.D.D Express got the recognition they deserved.

Chairman’s Award – The Hoyle Family

Card Factory founder and former Huddersfield Town Chairman Dean Hoyle and his family took home the prestigious Chairman’s Award for their ten year dedication to the Charity and to recognise their £2.2million Pedal for Pounds success through their work through Huddersfield Town Football Club.

Peter Sunderland, Chairman of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “Dean, Janet and the boys have been truly inspirational in helping to raise a phenomenal amount of money for our charity over the last decade, and helped raise the profile of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance through the highly successful Pedal for Pounds campaign and their work with HTAFC.  Just last week we were delighted to announce that the campaign hit the £2 million mark raised. It was my absolute pleasure therefore to be able to recognise all their hard work with this year’s YAA Chairman’s award.

It is the continued support and generosity from people like the Hoyle’s, which enables us to keep saving lives across not only across Huddersfield but the wider Yorkshire area and we’re proud to have them as part of our Yorkshire Air Ambulance family. ”

Kerry Dwyer, South and West Yorkshire Director of Fundraising, said: “We are delighted to be able to recognise some of the fundraising successes across our region and give back to the people who have worked tirelessly to support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance over the years.  Thank you to everyone who has contributed towards keeping both of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s flying over Yorkshire, your support has been greatly appreciated.”

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance held their annual Recognition Awards at Oulton Hall in Leeds on the 17^th October, celebrating the Yorkshire Businesses and Fundraisers from across the region who have dedicated their time to raise money for the charity.

A judging panel handpicked the finalists from the volunteers, businesses and fundraisers who have worked tirelessly for the charity, and Jon Mitchell and Gaynor Barnes from ITV Calendar, and who are also Patrons of the charity, compered and hosted the awards.

Founder of the Card Factory and former Huddersfield Town Chairman Dean Hoyle and his family took home the prestigious Chairman’s Award for their ten year dedication to the Charity and to recognise their Pedal for Pounds success through the football club.

Pedal for Pounds was the brainchild of Dean Hoyle and his family, and now in its tenth year, the annual cycling event has reached an incredible £2.2million fundraising milestone.

Dean and Janet Hoyle collected the award on the evening, presented to them by Yorkshire Air Ambulance chairman, Peter Sunderland.

Peter Sunderland, said: “Dean, Janet and the boys have been truly inspirational in helping to raise a phenomenal amount of money for our charity over the last decade, and helped raise the profile of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance through the highly successful Pedal for Pounds campaign and their work with HTAFC.  Just last week we were delighted to announce that the campaign hit the £2 million mark raised. It was my absolute pleasure therefore to be able to recognise all their hard work with this year’s YAA Chairman’s award.

It is the continued support and generosity from people like the Hoyle’s, which enables us to keep saving lives across not only across Huddersfield but the wider Yorkshire area and we’re proud to have them as part of our Yorkshire Air Ambulance family. ”

A passenger of a serious road traffic collision that took place in December last year has defied doctor’s odds thanks to the rapid response of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and their night vision technology.

Connor Lond, 23, and his friend were driving from Grimsby to Leeds on a night out, when the front wheel of the car slid on gravel on the M18, causing it to spin. As the car spun out of control, it was hit by oncoming vehicle.

“I can remember the wet weather and approaching Brigg, but a lot of the incident is a blur”, said Connor.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance were dispatched immediately to scene and due to the incident being late at night, the mission was flown using Night Vision technology.

Pilots and navigational crew on board of Yorkshire’s Air Ambulance wear Night Vision goggles to enable them to identify hazards and obstacles late at night when approaching landing sites.

Night Vision status was granted to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance back in September 2017 and has enabled the lifesaving rapid response service the ability to extend their operational hours into darkness.

When the Critical Care Team assessed Connor, he was showing signs of a serious head injury and a decision was made to put him into an induced coma and fly him to the nearest major trauma centre.

Connor was carried down an embankment to the helicopter and was flown to Leeds General Infirmary, a 30 mile flight which took only 15 minutes by air but would have been 45 minutes by road.

Tests at the hospital revealed that Connor had fractured six ribs, his clavicle and his pelvis and he had a bleed on brain. His family were told that he had a 20% survival rate.

Connor spent two weeks in hospital and despite his serious injuries, he has made a remarkable recovery.

“It was difficult learning to walk again, but to go from feeling broken emotionally and physically to become someone who is stronger, healthier and able to walk, lift weights and to graduate, means the world to me”, said Connor.

Last year, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance attended 197 incidents and airlifted 37 patients to hospital using Night Vision technology.

Connor’s episode of Helicopter ER will air on Monday 11^th November on Really at 9PM. The episode also features a cyclist who came off his bike on a Pennine road, a woman with symptoms of a heart attack in a remote market town and the crew are called out to a patient with a life threatening health condition.

Helicopter ER is made by York-based Air Television who have won five Royal Television Society awards for their work on the compelling series. You can catch up with any episodes you miss on UKTV Play.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) serves 5million people across Yorkshire and carries out over 1,800 missions every year. The charity operates two, state-of-the-art Airbus H145 helicopters and needs to raise £12,000 every day to keep saving lives.

12^th September 2019

Near miss with drone on 11.09.19

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) can confirm that last night (11.09.19), en route back to their Nostell Air Support Unit from completing a mission the crew of HM98 (G-YAAC) were subject to a near miss with a drone.

The incident happened around 6.50pm as the helicopter was returning to base, flying at around 1,300ft

Steve Waudby, Chief Pilot commented “We cannot stress enough the seriousness of what happened last night to the crew of HM98.  It was only due to the vigilance of our front seat paramedic spotting the drone, and the rapid reaction of our Pilot that the crew avoided a direct collision.  It is estimated that they missed the drone by less than 3 meters in the end.  The consequences don’t bare thinking about if a direct strike had occurred.  We’d be telling a very different story today if it had.”

Steve continues “The most ironic thing about all of this is that we spent most of yesterday working with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) over at Nostell to help them create a new ‘Drone Awareness’ short film to help highlight the dangers & issues of operating drones, and to make users more aware of aircraft operators like us and the Police.”

“Whoever was operating this drone was doing so at an illegal height – the maximum height it should have been operating at was 120m or 400ft, so as you can see, this drone was flying over 3 times the height it should have been at.  Whether the operator is aware or not, they have put the lives of our crew in extreme danger. I would appeal to the operator to please come forward and identify themselves – we have a very clear description of what the drone looked like and it was very, very distinctive.  The police have been made aware, as well as the CAA and the AAIB have also been notified.  Again, I cannot stress the seriousness of what has happened.”

Peter Sunderland, Chairman of the YAA added “Firstly I would like to pay tribute to our Pilot – his prompt and professional actions avoided the most unthinkable disaster.  We are proud to have a team of highly skilled, ex-military Pilots as part of our team, and last night’s incident just goes to highlight how important these professional Pilots are to the Charity.  Also to the two paramedics and Doctor who were on board – all of their intense training over the years came to fruition last night and I am proud of how they handled this incident.  The crew are obviously shaken from what happened and we will be supporting them in any way we can.”

A CAA spokesperson said: “It is against the law to fly a drone above 400ft (120m) or close to airports without permission and anyone flouting the rules can face severe penalties including up to five years in prison. Anyone operating a drone must do so responsibly and observe all relevant rules and regulations. The rules for flying drones are designed to keep all airspace users safe.   The CAA’s Dronecode provides advice on how to fly your drone safely and follow the rules. You can access it at www.dronesafe.uk “

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) serves 5million people across Yorkshire and carries out over 1,500 missions every year. The charity operates two, state-of-the-art Airbus H145 helicopters and needs to raise £12,000 every day to keep saving lives.  The Charity are currently featuring in the television documentary series Helicopter ER, which airs on channel Really every Monday night at 9pm.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is urging people across the Yorkshire to download the what3words app to help save lives.

what3words is being used by a growing number of emergency services and rescue teams across the world and it is now being used by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to help save lives across the region.

Developers behind the app have divided the world into 57 trillion squares and given each square a unique 3 word address that can be found using GPS. When a caller is unable to identify where they are, they can simply pass the three words generated by the app to emergency services and they will be able to track their location within a 3 metre square radius.

The what3words app is compatible with other apps such as Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze and can also connect to Satnavs. It can also be speech-activated and because the app is GPS and algorithm-based, it can be used with no internet connection.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance began using the app two months ago and it has already been used successfully in incidents such as road traffic accidents and walkers in remote areas.

Matt Syrat, Clinical Operations Manager for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “There’s a lot of rural areas and less identifiable roads in Yorkshire and if a person cannot distinguish where they are, it can delay the time it takes for emergency services to reach the incident.  This new system enables us to pinpoint a nearly exact location of the casualty using the three words given to us by the call taker and we can dispatch immediately. The what3words app will be invaluable to saving lives, especially in remote areas of Yorkshire.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) serves 5million people across Yorkshire and carries out over 1,500 missions every year. The charity operates two, state-of-the-art Airbus H145 helicopters and needs to raise £12,000 every day to keep saving lives.

Amanda, 44,  is best known for her appearance in the ITV series The Dales, the Channel 5 series Our Yorkshire Farm and for being author to three bestselling books as well as being a busy mother of 9, was the face of one of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s popular Christmas cards last year, aptly named ‘The Yorkshire Shepherdess’.

She lives with her husband Clive and their family at Ravenseat in Upper Swaledale, North Yorkshire – one of the highest, most remote hill farms in England.

Amanda has always been a supporter of the work of the YAA, given the remote area they live in and nature of the work the Charity undertake, however it was an introduction through Harrogate based artist Anita Bowerman that brought Amanda and the Charity closer together.

Amanda explains “I was contacted by Anita last year to ask if I’d be happy to collaborate with her and the YAA by painting me and my sheep as a scene for one of the YAA’s Christmas cards.  Obviously it was a real honour for me to accept, and the card went onto be the Charity’s bestselling Christmas card ever!  I hear they were sending them out all around the world, and as far away as Canada!  We have then kept in contact since and when I was asked to be an Ambassador I was absolutely delighted – I genuinely couldn’t think of a better organisation to be involved with.  I was very emotional when they first asked me.”

Abby Barmby, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Charity added “Amanda is a truly inspirational women and one we are proud to have as an Ambassador for the YAA.  She is the true epitome of Yorkshire, which is something we as a Charity also embrace and are extremely proud of.  We are very excited to be working with Amanda going forward and already have some great ideas in the pipeline.”

Amanda added “I am very much aware that living as remotely as we do the YAA is a vital service that can make the difference between life and death. We have had our fair share of medical emergencies, though are fortunate to have never yet ourselves required the services of the YAA.”

Given the success of last years ‘The Yorkshire Shepherdess’ Christmas card, Anita Bowerman will paint a new scene depicting Amanda as part of this years collection.  However the design remains a closely guarded secret for now!

Copies of last years card are still available to buy now through the YAA website: www.yaa.org.uk/shop .

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) serves 5million people across Yorkshire and carries out over 1,500 missions every year. The charity operates two, state-of-the-art Airbus H145 helicopters and needs to raise £12,000 every day to keep saving lives.  The Charity are currently featuring in the television documentary series Helicopter ER, which airs on channel Really every Monday night at 9pm.

ENDS

For more information please contact Yorkshire Air Ambulance Director of Marketing & Communications, Abby Barmby on a.barmby@yaa.org.uk  or 01422 237900/ 07825 458 600

Notes to Editors

• YAA is an independent charity needing to raise £12,000 per day to keep both of Yorkshire’s air ambulances in the air and maintained.  This is equivalent to £4.4 million each year.
• The YAA provides a life-saving rapid response emergency service 365 days a year to 5 million people across 4 million acres of Yorkshire.
• We operate two helicopters, G-YAAC and G-YOAA. They operate from Nostell Priory near Wakefield and RAF Topcliffe, near Thirsk.
• Patients are transferred to the nearest major trauma centres, flying at speeds of up to 160mph.
• YAA paramedics and dispatchers are seconded to us by Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
• We currently attend over 1,500 missions a year, an average of five incidents every single day.
• To date, over 7,900 patients have been carried to relevant treatment centres.