On a crisp February morning, the team at A.R.Richards Ltd had the privilege of visiting the newly built base of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity in Shifnal. With a sense of excitement and purpose, Andrew Richards, Jennifer Smith, Mike Weatherall, Natasha Sutton, Janusz Ksiazek, Ben Simmons, and Adam Burgess set off for what would prove to be an eye-opening and inspiring experience.
Arriving at the base, just down the road from the RAF Cosford Museum, we were greeted by the Midlands Air Ambulance Crew – Richard Apps, Ryan Ferris, and Jon Bingham, along with Midlands Air Ambulance Staff Casey Johnson and Lauren Talbot. The location was striking, set over the road from the museum and surrounded by the hum of activity.
Our visit kicked off with a series of memorable moments. We took the opportunity to snap photos with the helicopter, the Artic Lorry, and the Baler, celebrating the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and the hard work it does on a daily basis. Seeing our contributions in action was a moment of pride for us as a company.
Support in Action
One of the highlights of the visit was when we were presented with a board showing the total amount we had raised for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity up to that point – an impressive £26,554.84. Additionally, we had another cheque ready to hand over from our Euro Bin department, totalling £2,637. These numbers represented not just figures but tangible support from our company and employees for the vital work of Midlands Air Ambulance.
Behind the Scenes
The tour of the new site was nothing short of awe-inspiring. We were taken through the hangar, where the helicopter rests at night. The new reception area was welcoming and efficient, a hub of activity for the dedicated staff and crew.
One of the most poignant moments for two of our staff was stepping inside the helicopter itself. Seeing the space where patients receive critical care during transit brought home the importance of the work carried out by Midlands Air Ambulance. We also had the chance to view the overhead area, overlooking the helipads, where the helicopter takes off and lands on its vital missions.
Casey Johnson, who is one of the Corporate Partnership Executives at Midlands Air Ambulance, stated, ‘The new Airbase Headquarters facility has already made such a huge difference to not only to our clinicians but also the wider charity team. It is a vital development for advanced pre-hospital patient care across the whole of the region. It means the Critical Care Paramedics and pre-hospital emergency medicine doctors are equipped to treat the increasingly complex patient cases and will enhance our daily lifesaving service. It also supports our ‘All one team’ ethos, bringing staff together in one place to continue to grow and expand our service for the benefit of our patients and the local communities we serve.’
A Legacy of Service
Learning about the history of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity was humbling. Established in 1991, the charity has come a long way from its beginnings. The move from the RAF Cosford Museum base to this new, purpose-built site is a testament to the continued support and growth of the organisation.
The Scope of Midlands Air Ambulances Work
The statistics shared with us were staggering. On average, Midlands Air Ambulance completes 12 missions daily, costing around £2,980. These missions range from stabbings to road traffic accidents and from pediatric emergencies to medical crises. The scale of their operation is immense, serving six counties and an area of almost 6,000 square miles, reaching over six million people. In fact, the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity covers the largest air ambulance operating area in the whole of the UK.
Looking Ahead
As our visit came to a close, we left with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude. The plans for the future of the Shifnal base, including the upcoming Garden of Remembrance, are a testament to the ongoing commitment to excellence and service.
At A.R.Richards Ltd, we are honoured to support Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Our visit to their new base was not just a tour; it was a journey into the heart of an organisation dedicated to saving lives, supported by a community of generous donors and volunteers. As we drove away, we knew that our partnership with Midlands Air Ambulance would continue to be a source of pride and inspiration for our company and employees.
To learn more about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and how you can support their lifesaving work, visit their website at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Every donation truly makes a difference.
In conclusion, our visit to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s new base was an unforgettable experience. From the impressive equipment to the dedicated staff, every aspect of the charity’s operation is geared towards one goal: saving lives. As we reflect on our time spent at the base, we are reminded of the importance of community support and the incredible impact it can have. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and witnessing the lifesaving work they do every day.
Thank you to everyone at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity for hosting us and for the important work you do every day.
