In Your Shoes - Helen MacGregor

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Since 2013 Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has been responding to time-critical emergencies, right across Scotland, 365 days a year. SCAA is a vital component in Scotland’s emergency response network providing expert paramedic care to the seriously ill and injured and delivering them onwards to hospital. In fact the country’s only charity funded air ambulance is often seen at Ninewells Hospital.
In 2016 I was brought in as Regional Fundraising Manager to grow SCAA’s supporter base in Fife, Dundee, Aberdeen and the surrounding areas. The best bit about my role is sharing mission stories and seeing that glint of recognition when people realise how vital SCAA’s work is to the communities of Scotland.
The crew respond on average to one call out every day so for this blog each day I will highlight a typical call out we might respond to.

Monday - Life Saved: Mark

First day back after several enforced snow days. Pleased to say the crew managed to stay online over the weekend responding to several call outs.
For me the day involves rearranging plans. The Scottish Motorcycle Show got postponed because of weather. Not to worry - with a new date set we are good to go. 16% of our call outs in 2017 were to Road Traffic Collisions and bikers are particularly supportive of SCAA so this fantastic event is a real draw to our volunteers who love chatting to the biking community about our work. 

I spend the rest of the day following up on some promising meetings with Clydesdale Bank (Aberdeen) and Tayside Contracts. Both companies continue to go above and beyond to support SCAA.

Typical call out: Mark – A motorbike accident in rural Scotland with no access for a land ambulance.   SCAA transfer seriously injured Mark to hospital within minutes.  “In such a remote location SCAA was my best chance of survival.”   

Tuesday – Life Saved: George

Making plans for the year ahead with our Chief Executive, David, today: talking sponsorship proposals, corporate branding opportunities on the helicopter and maximising Dundee and Aberdeen Kiltwalks, as well as recruiting corporate teams for the Rob Roy Challenge.
Last year an amazing £70,000 was raised by people taking part in events for SCAA. That could pay for 35 life-saving missions! I think that’s worth getting your trainers on for! www.scaa.org.uk/support-us

Typical call out: George - A cardiac emergency while on a walking holiday. SCAA got George to hospital in 25 minutes avoiding a gruelling 3-hour road transfer. “I owe Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance my life. I may never have survived waiting for treatment or the land journey to hospital. SCAA is all about saving lives and I’m a testament to how great they are.”

Wednesday - Life Saved: Steve

Today it’s all about our Land Rover - an in-kind donation, with style, which has been loaned to the SCAA team by Land Rover as part of their celebrations for winning Scottish Car of the Year in 2017. A phone call to John Clark Motor Group in Perth results in an opportunity to place the car in a prominent position on their forecourt in the coming weeks. Plans are afoot to use the Land Rover to raise awareness at Knockhill, The Scottish Motorcycle Show, Gardening Scotland and Edinburgh Airport in the coming months.

Typical call out: Steve passed out through agonising pain in his ear and deteriorated rapidly with what proved to be Bacterial Meningitis. SCAA arrived at his rural home in minutes getting Steve swiftly to hospital to receive life-saving treatment. “SCAA saved me when time was running out and I will spend the rest of my life thanking them.”

Thursday - Life Saved: Avis

Once a week the whole charity gets around the table and we each highlight one or two specific pieces of our work. Today I’m talking about recruiting participants for the Rob Roy Challenge and the Kiltwalks and Katrine our Volunteer Coordinator is telling us about volunteer requirements for these events.

SCAA couldn’t exist without support from volunteers – our Chairman, Trustees, Bucket Shakers and Volunteer Speakers all amaze me every single day with their ideas, commitment and skills.   Volunteer for SCAA

Typical call out: Avis had an accident all of us dread. She was at the top of her ladder cleaning her outside gutters when the ladder slipped from under her causing her to land head first on the tarmac below. A serious head injury resulted in a long but successful recuperation. “The neurosurgeon told me that the speed of getting me to hospital helped save my life.”   

Friday - Life Saved: Kevin

Very excited to be taking a half day today to go to Carnoustie Golf Course Hotel with an old school chum. The last time I was at this hotel was to be presented with a cheque from the wonderful team at Dalhousie Golf Club who hold an annual Race Night to raise funds for SCAA.
This type of fundraising plays such an important role in keeping SCAA responding to time-critical emergencies. The local community support we receive not only raises vital funds but informs others of our service.

Whether requesting a SCAA representative to speak at a Rotary Club or a sporting group raising funds because a friend fell from their horse and SCAA came to their aid the money and awareness raised is vital.

Typical call out: Kevin’s accident at work changed his life forever – read the full story here: Kevin's Close Call

Saturday and Sunday - Spare a thought

While I get to enjoy this weekend with my two young boys, husband and mum, I always take a moment to think about the SCAA crew, funded by the people of Scotland and working 365 days a year, responding to emergencies right across the country. I hope no one needs them this weekend but I am really glad they are there if someone does.