Air Ambulance reaches 2,531 missions in 12 months

THIS National Air Ambulance Week, that ran from 7 September to 13 September 2020, the North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAAC) is raising awareness of the lifesaving impact its service has had on patient lives across the North West.

From 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020, the charity has completed 2,531 missions across the North West, including 307 in Merseyside. With 3 helicopters and 4 rapid response vehicles across its Barton and Blackpool air bases, the charity's crew of highly skilled specialist Doctors and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) paramedics can deliver enhanced medical care to the most critically ill and injured patients. In cases of serious incidents and accidents, their care can make a lifesaving difference to patients. Alex Rose is one such patient.

Alex, 25, Preston, was attended to by NWAAC in March 2019, whilst out on his motorbike riding between Slaidburn and Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale. Finding himself on an unfamiliar road, Alex was going at a careful speed. However, coming up to a blind bend, his bike skidded on stones in the road; throwing the bike to 1 side and catapulting Alex into an iron fence in a nearby field and knocking him unconscious. When he awoke, he saw the helicopter descending.

The accident left him with 3 broken back bones, a fractured sternum, bruised lungs and a painful gash along his arm. 2 HEMS paramedics from NWAAC were able to stabilise Alex at the scene, to ensure no further damage was done; his broken back bones had missed his spinal cord by just 1mm. They administered pain relief before carefully airlifting Alex to the Royal Preston Hospital in ten minutes, for scans and further treatment. Alex was miraculously discharged 4 days later, despite his initial extensive injuries.

Alex said:- "Waking up and seeing the helicopter land was when I realised how serious a state I was in. I think the adrenaline was kicking in though, because I kept trying to get back on my bike. Even a slight movement risked even worse injuries and pain, and I'm so grateful the air ambulance was there to calm me down and treat me. Being in such a remote spot, which was difficult to reach by car, I'm sure I wouldn't have recovered as quickly as I did without their care, they were amazing. They knew exactly how to handle me and get me the treatment I needed as quickly as possible. I don't know whether I would be fighting fit today without the charity."

In cases of serious trauma or illness, the crew are able to administer highly advanced interventions before reaching the Hospital, such as anaesthesia, blood transfusion or intubation. It can make the difference between life and death for many patients.

As a charity funded operation, NWAAC must raise over ₤9.5m a year, relying on generous donations, fundraisers and volunteers to maintain its 365 days a year service. Just a few months after his accident, Alex asked for donations in lieu of birthday presents, raising over ₤400. Alex commented that:- "I just wanted to do anything to say thank you and give back, and be there for other people who might be in my position 1 day. I'm hoping to do more fundraising going forward."

Less than 2 years after that fateful day, and Alex is back playing football and feeling fitter than ever. He hopes one day to get back on his bike. Alex add:- "I love being out on my bike, and I'm very lucky that someday I could be back on the road again. I just have to make sure my parents are fine with it!"

Heather Arrowsmith, CEO at the charity, commented:- "Hearing from patients like Alex really drive home how important the charity's work is. Our crew are out there every day, having a life changing impact on patient's lives, and it just wouldn't be possible without the incredible support we receive. The nature of our work means there will always be patients in need, and public support, no matter how big or small, makes an incredible difference to this work. It keeps our helicopters in the air, our rapid response vehicles out on the road, and provides vital funds for research into how we can adapt our service to make sure we're always improving the impact we have on patient's lives. In our 21st year of service, and our 8th year celebrating National Air Ambulance Week, it's amazing to take stock and see how far we have come, and it simply wouldn't have been possible without the support we've received over the years."

KNOWSLEY Safari has launched a new series of weekend Academy courses for teenagers keen to pursue careers as vets, zoologists, animal keepers or conservationists. Taking place in September and October 2020, the Knowsley Academy weekends are designed for 15 to 18 year olds and include a host of theory and practical sessions all about animal care, behaviour, anatomy and diet. The courses will be hosted on Knowsley's Foot Safari in small groups and in accordance with Government guidance for social distancing.

Nikki Mallott, Head of Learning and Discovery at Knowsley Safari, comments:- "We've created the Knowsley Academy for young people who are serious about careers in animal care and conservation, as it can be tough for teenagers to get a 1st hand understanding of what such careers involve. We've developed sessions that provide a real view of key tasks such as animal training, behavioural studies and enrichment activities, and are supporting these with an augmented reality guidebook. The aim is to deliver a really interactive and engaging experience that helps shape future career choices."

The 2 Knowsley Academy weekends take place on 12 and 13 September and 10 and 11 October 2020, with courses running from 9am to 4pm, each day. Places cost ₤70 each per weekend. To book a place or find out more about Knowsley Academy, visit:- KnowsleySafariExperience.Co.UK.

AS part of Sefton Council's commitment to promote responsible dog ownership, we are consulting on the reintroduction of dog control measures. Consultation on introducing a new look Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) across the whole of the borough starts on the 7 September 2020 and will last until 5 October 2020. A Public Space Protection Order is an official measure that is an enforceable part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.  PSPO's can be used to protect the public from behaviour that is having or is likely to have a harmful effect on the quality of life of those in an area. To ensure that orders introduced are proportionate and have the support of local residents Councils must hold a public consultation.

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said:- "We began a consultation in March 2020, but unfortunately this was interrupted by the impact of COVID-19.  This consultation did run for 2 weeks and we received over 180 responses. We are taking all of these responses into account and combining the results with those of the new consultation. We would like as many people as possible to respond to the new consultation so that we can ensure that any new order is in line with the views of all of our residents."

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, said:- "This is just the start of the process to consult on a new PSPO in Sefton. Many other Local Authorities across the country have introduced similar orders to great effect, encouraging greater responsible dog ownership and promoting a cleaner and greener environment which everyone can enjoy. The proposed order would continue the dog control requirements that were in place in Seton for 3 years up to July 2020. Most dog owners across the borough already understand and do most of the things in the proposed order anyway, so if introduced it will have very little or no impact on them at all. Please take the time to read about the proposed order and tell us what you think about it."

Sefton Council added:- "We will try to meet any other requirements that anyone may have that will allow them to engage in the consultation process. Any requests/requirements such as this can be sent to:- ETSContact@Sefton.Gov.UK."

To complete the survey, visit:- YourSeftonYourSay.Sefton.Gov.UK. Should anyone require any assistance in completing the form over the telephone then they can call the contact centre on:- 0345 140 0845. For a hard copy version and a freepost envelope for return an email can be sent to:- ETSContact@Sefton.Gov.UK.