Magpas Air Ambulance will be saving lives this Christmas

As most people wind down for Christmas, Magpas Air Ambulance—the local air ambulance charity based in Alconbury Weald—will continue to work 24/7, even on Christmas Day.

The Magpas Air Ambulance medical team are specially trained to provide advanced medical care, such as general anaesthetics and surgical procedures, at the scene of their patients' emergencies. By supporting the ambulance service and bringing this additional medical expertise to the scene, they not only save lives, but reduce disability and recovery times.

The Magpas Air Ambulance team works 24/7, covering two 12-hour shifts a day running from 7 am-7 pm, and the opposite through the night.

Captain Joe Searles is the pilot flying on Christmas Day this year. He says, "I have worked on Christmas Day before—many years ago, when I was in the Royal Air Force—but it’s not going to be easy being away from my family this Christmas, especially as I now have two young children. But I am hoping they understand why I am needed here and how much I am going to miss them."

Charity staff and the local community are doing all they can to still make Christmas feel special for the teams on shift, as these clinicians and flight crew give up time with their loved ones to keep other families together. The tree has been decorated at the Magpas Air Ambulance base and local pub and restaurant, The Black Bull in Godmanchester, will be providing the teams on both the Christmas day and night shift with a hot roast dinner.

Critical Care Paramedic Sarah Walter will be taking over from the day shift team at 7 pm to continue providing care throughout the night this Christmas Day. Sarah explains, "It is important for us to be available to provide essential critical care to the most unwell patients across our region and be there for families in their time of need at this difficult time of year.

“There is always a huge emotional element to the incidents we attend during this period... What should be a festive and happy experience for many, sadly ends in emergency situations for some, which makes the work we do feel even more poignant at Christmas time."

She continues, "In honesty, it can feel a bit sad leaving your family over Christmas, but I am so grateful to my family for being flexible so I can be included in some of the Christmas celebrations. I will be swapping Bucks Fizz for orange juice only this Christmas morning, but that isn't much of a sacrifice knowing I can be there should our local community need our emergency care."

Magpas Air Ambulance is keen to remind supporters that it is their donations that keep the organisation operating. Director of Fundraising Lucy Chapman adds, "The Magpas Air Ambulance team, including Joe and Sarah, can only continue to be there for people in need and keep families together 24/7 this Christmas thanks to donations from the people and communities we serve.

"If you can, please support our lifesaving service—helping us to be there for those most in need—by visiting donate.magpas.org.uk. I also want to take this opportunity to wish you a merry Christmas from all of us here at Magpas Air Ambulance."