AN appeal to raise £25,000 for a life-saving Critical Care Patient Monitor has been launched by Herts Air Ambulance this summer – and it is being backed all the way by the Watford Observer.

The Herts Air Ambulance is a charity which relies on only public donations to keep flying and to keep saving lives. The monitor is a vital piece of equipment stowed on board the aircraft and it helps monitor a patient’s well-being.

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust Clinical Manager Stuart Elms said: “The Zoll X-Series Critical Care Patient Monitor is a cutting edge, multi-functional piece of equipment with the ability to provide a whole range of cardiac care including pacing and de-fibrillation.

“It includes the latest software and electronics with a facility to download crucial data about the patient during a mission, enabling the Crew to adjust their treatment strategy to best treat the individual patient.

“After a mission further data can be downloaded for full analysis by the Crew for audit purposes making sure they are providing the best possible patient care, and if necessary change practices as required. The monitor is used in all medical and trauma cases, both adult and children.

“We are updating our current patient monitor as it is an older generation model and showing signs of ageing.”

Watford Observer Editorial Manager Frazer Ansell said: “The Herts air Ambulance is a fantastic charity and the newspaper group is delighted to support this appeal.

“I know readers of the Watford Observer are incredibly generous, even in these cash strapped times, and I am sure they will do their bit to raise the money needed for the new equipment and help save lives.”

To support the Patient Monitor Appeal call the Herts Air Ambulance Charity Office on 0845 504 0055 or text MNTR25 followed by the amount you would like to give (£1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10) to 70070. Or you can send a cheque to Herts Air Ambulance Appeal, Unit 24, Park Farm Industrial Estate, Ermine Street, Buntingford, Herts SG9 9AZ.

Did you know?

  • The first Herts Air Ambulance aircraft was launched on November 5 2009.
  • The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service operates five days a week during daylight hours.
  • Since 2008 there has been 1,100 missions completed.
  • It costs £130,000 a month to cover all charitable costs and aircraft operations.
  • There are 42 workers involved in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service. There is a minimum of three members of crew needed on board the aircraft each mission: The pilot, a Critical Care Paramedic and a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Doctor.
  • Although there is only one aircraft, the people of Hertfordshire have the benefit of the sister helicopter based in Essex.
  • The aircraft’s unique advantage of speed can make all the difference between life and death when travelling to the appropriate hospital.