THE charity Air Ambulance says its call out rates in the first quarter of this year have seen it experience the busiest period since operations began.
The service was called out on 229 occasions from January to March 2021 - an increase of 30 per cent on the previous year. It also marks an increase of 73 per cent from 2018.
Glenn O'Rorke, operational lead for the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), said: "On average we are called out twice a day, this is the busiest quarter that we have experienced since the start of operations.
"It reflects how the HEMS has embedded into the health system and the need for critical care interventions at scene when the worst happens for someone in our community.
"The interventions provided including inducing a coma and administering blood can mean the difference between life and death.
"We realise that every time we fly, we do so thanks to the public's continued support."
The medical team is tasked to critically ill and injured patients as a result of a range of incidents including road traffic collision, workplace accidents, sport and leisure, agricultural and self-harm.
The HEMS is provided by a partnership between Air Ambulance NI and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
In anticipation of a potentially busy summer, the charity is launching a new range of fundraising events and activities to encourage more people to support the service.
Among the events being organised is the Dragon Boat Races along the River Lagan in Belfast on September 10 or an abseil off the Tower Museum in Derry on September 18.
Kerry Anderson, head of fundraising for the charity, said: "As another summer approaches, we know that people will continue to need help from the HEMS team, meaning the charity needs your support too.
"If everyone does a little to support, then we can ensure this lifesaving service is here to give the best chance to patients now and for the future."
For more information, please visit www.airambulanceni.org.
