Air ambulance warns of impact of rising fuel costs

Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is warning of the financial impact on its lifesaving service as aviation fuel costs have risen by 63% since the beginning of the current Middle East conflict.

This increase means KSS is now facing increased costs of £25,000 monthly to operate its helicopters, which bring lifesaving pre-hospital emergency care to patients across the South East.

The charity is concerned the fuel cost rise will place even more pressure on its financial sustainability in an already difficult fundraising environment.

KSS chief executive David Welch said: "Every lifesaving mission we make is almost entirely funded by the kindness and generosity of our communities."

"That's why ongoing and increased public support for KSS during these challenging times is more vital than ever in helping us to reach patients and save lives," he said.

The charity currently responds to about nine of the most serious medical emergencies daily across the South East, including to people critically injured in road traffic collisions or experiencing a sudden illness such as a cardiac arrest.

While Welch said they have mitigation plans in place, he acknowledged the fact that despite the fact that their helicopters were a "lifeline" for the communities, they were asking for funds in "an increasingly difficult financial climate".

KSS is also actively working with Air Ambulances UK to ensure government and policy makers take action to protect them from further aviation fuel cost rises.

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