A Welshpool man that suffered a heart attack on Monday night was saved following an historic first night flight by the Wales Air Ambulance.
The 59-year-old, who has not been named, was flown to Stoke for life saving treatment in just 46 minutes after being picked up in pitch darkness.
Jason Williams, national clinical and operations manager for Wales Air Ambulance, takes up the story:
“After receiving an emergency 999 call, Wales Air Ambulance staff quickly diagnosed that the patient was experiencing a heart attack, and took just 46 minutes to transport him from Welshpool to the nearest cardiac centre at North Staffordshire University Hospital in Stoke.
“The flight reduced the transport time for this patient by an hour compared to travelling on land, and ensured he received a life saving procedure where a cardiac stent was inserted into the coronary artery to improve blood flow to the heart.
“In this example, "time is muscle", and every minute that the heart muscle is deprived of blood the chances of survival are greatly reduced as the muscle dies.”
The flight has only just become possible following weeks of extensive night flight training for pilots and paramedics at the Wales Air Ambulance base in Welshpool.
“It is so frustrating to have previously had to put the aircraft away at night knowing that there are still patients that could benefit from this life saving service, and it is a real boost to be able to extend our flying hours into darkness,” said Mr Williams.
“We all hope this gentleman makes a speedy recovery.”
The Wales Air Ambulance began night flight trials at the start of the month, having raised £6 million to upgrade its three aircraft based at Swansea, Welshpool and Caernarfon.
Wales Air Ambulance chief executive Angela Hughes said: “The vision of the Wales Air Ambulance is to provide a 24-hour air ambulance operation in Wales, this is an exciting step towards that vision.
“The Charity is extremely pleased that with the continued dedication of its supporters and staff to deliver this life saving service into the hours of darkness.”
Wales Air Ambulance is an all-Wales charity providing vital emergency air cover for those who face life-threatening illness or injuries.
For more details about Wales Air Ambulance, its work and how you can support it, please contact the Wrexham Office on 01978 799088 or via www.walesairambulance.com
PICTURE: The Wales Air Ambulance’s Helimed 59 which made its life-saving first night time flight.