Kent Air Ambulance

Air ambulance service in South East England

The Kent Air Ambulance, officially known as the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust, is a helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) that provides rapid response and critical care to the counties of Kent, Surrey, and Sussex in South East England. The service operates 24 hours a day, offering advanced pre-hospital care to patients in need of urgent medical attention.

History

The Kent Air Ambulance was established in 1989, initially serving the county of Kent. Over the years, the service expanded to cover Surrey and Sussex, reflecting the growing demand for air ambulance services in the region. The service is a registered charity and relies heavily on public donations and fundraising efforts to maintain its operations.

Operations

G-KAAT helicopter in flight

The Kent Air Ambulance operates two MD 902 Explorer helicopters, which are specially equipped for medical emergencies. These helicopters are staffed by a team of highly trained paramedics, doctors, and pilots, who work together to provide life-saving care at the scene of an incident.

The service is capable of reaching any location within its coverage area in approximately 20 minutes, significantly reducing the time it takes to transport critically ill or injured patients to the nearest major trauma centre.

Medical Capabilities

The medical team on board the Kent Air Ambulance is equipped to perform a range of advanced medical procedures, including intubation, blood transfusion, and thoracostomy. The service also carries a variety of life-saving medications and equipment, ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care possible before reaching the hospital.

Base Locations

The Kent Air Ambulance operates from two main bases:

• Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey, which serves as the primary base for the service.
• Rochester Airport in Kent, which provides additional coverage and support.

These strategic locations allow the service to respond quickly to emergencies across the entire region.

Incidents and Accidents

Blue Bell Hill, near the site of the 1998 crash

In 1998, a tragic accident occurred when one of the Kent Air Ambulance helicopters crashed near Blue Bell Hill in Kent, resulting in the loss of all three crew members on board. This incident highlighted the inherent risks associated with air ambulance operations and led to improvements in safety protocols and training.

Community Involvement

The Kent Air Ambulance is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and fundraisers who work tirelessly to ensure the service can continue to operate. Community events, charity runs, and public donations are vital to the sustainability of the service, as it receives no direct government funding.

Related Pages

• Air ambulance
• Helicopter emergency medical service
• Major trauma centre