A New Era for Air Ambulance Services in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
Construction is set to begin on a new, state-of-the-art air ambulance base near Southampton Airport. This development marks a significant step forward for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, with the goal of saving more lives through improved response times and enhanced operational capabilities.
The new airbase, located on George Curl Way, will replace the charity’s current facility in Thruxton, Andover. This relocation is expected to provide quicker access to the majority of the region, allowing teams to reach patients within minutes of being dispatched. Clinical lead Simon Hughes emphasized the importance of this change, stating that even small reductions in response time can be critical in life-threatening situations.
Improved Response Times and Operational Efficiency
With the new base, emergency teams will be able to reach almost every patient in the region within 10 minutes of take-off. During a recent press event, one of the air ambulance’s land vehicles was called to an incident, demonstrating how quickly they can mobilize from the site. The proximity to major roads and highways ensures that the service can respond swiftly, even in urgent cases.
Senior paramedic lead Pat Andrews, who has been with the charity for 18 years, expressed his excitement about the move. He highlighted that the new location will significantly reduce the time it takes to reach incidents on the Isle of Wight, cutting the current 25-minute response time down to just 15 minutes.
Funding and Construction Progress
So far, the charity has raised over £1.6 million towards the construction of the new base, with an additional £2 million still needed. Local building contractors Rosewood Building Services have been appointed to transform the existing structure into a purpose-built airbase. The project is expected to be completed by March, when the charity’s doctors, pilots, and paramedics will be fully operational from the new site.
The 4,273 square metre, two-storey facility will include a hangar for the helicopter, a helipad, office space, aftercare facilities, on-site crew accommodation, training and briefing rooms, and a garage for the charity’s fleet of emergency response vehicles. A dedicated visitor centre overlooking the helipad will also serve as a space for community CPR and AED training.
Community Support and Future Vision
Chair of the charity, Rebecca Brackwell-Slade, expressed her excitement about the progress made so far. She described the location as ideal, noting that it was a strong contender from the moment the team first saw it. The handover of the key to the developer marked an important milestone in the project’s journey.
Richard Corbett, CEO of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, praised the support received from the community. He emphasized that every step taken towards the new base represents a major achievement for the charity. His gratitude extended to everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality.
Looking Ahead
As the construction progresses, the new airbase promises to revolutionize the way the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance operates. With faster response times, better facilities, and a stronger focus on community engagement, the charity is well-positioned to continue its vital work in saving lives across the region.
