Construction to begin on new air ambulance base that will 'save lives'
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance's new airbase, on George Curl Way, near Southampton Airport, is set to undergo construction ahead of its opening next Spring.
This moves the charity from its current airbase in Thruxton, Andover, to a more central part of the region and will dramatically improve response times for the majority of the missions.
Clinical lead Simon Hughes said: "It is going to transform what we do going forward.
"In those life-threatening situations, literally seconds count, so being able to shave off time is going to save more lives."
Simon Hughes (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)
Teams will be able to reach almost every patient in the region within 10 minutes of take-off.
In fact, during the press event, one of the air ambulance's land vehicles was called to an incident; its sirens could be heard as it immediately found its way onto the motorway from the base.
Senior paramedic lead Pat Andrews has been with the charity since it started 18 years ago. He said: "This is going to make a massive difference for us."
READ MORE: Hundreds of extra school spaces expected in Southampton as birth rate drops
Pat Andrews (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)
Pat adds that the new centre would mean that the service could attend an incident on the Isle of Wight in just 15 minutes, as opposed to the current 25.
So far, more than £1.6 million has been donated towards the build, with a further £2 million needed.
The air ambulance charity has appointed local building contractors Rosewood Building Services to convert the current building into a purpose-built airbase.
Chair of the charity, Rebecca Brackwell-Slade (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)
Chair of the charity, Rebecca Brackwell-Slade said: "We are so excited. It feels quite surreal to be here today.
"It is in an optimal location. In many ways, it was an immediate front runner from when we saw it."
READ MORE: We go inside Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Thruxton HQ
Handover of the key to the developer (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)
It is hoped that the charity's doctors, pilots and paramedics will be fully operational from the new base in March.
The 4,273 square metre, two-storey site will feature a hangar to house the helicopter, a helipad, office space, aftercare facilities, on-site crew accommodation, training and briefing rooms and a garage for the charity's fleet of emergency response vehicles.
The back of the building, where the helipad will be built (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)
A dedicated visitor centre which overlooks the helipad will provide a space for the charity's community CPR and AED training.
Richard Corbett, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance CEO, said: 'Every step we take towards our goal of moving into our new home is hugely significant.
'A huge thank you to everyone whose kindness and generosity has turned this long-held dream for the charity into a reality.'
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