England’s Wiltshire Air Ambulance raised some $25,000 in 72 hours for its new flight room, the company said. The nonprofit plans to use the room for pilot and paramedic operation coordination in its proposed new airbase, with flight planning and mapping equipment.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Big Give Christmas Challenge social media campaign ended Friday. The goal was not only met, but also surpassed by about $3,000. Excess money is set for the organization’s Airbase Appeal fund, which aims to bring its proposed base to fruition.
With the call sign “Helimed22,” Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s aircraft is a Bell Helicopter 429. The organization said it’s the first of its type to operate in the U.K. Helimed22 flies up to 19 hours per day with its Aerolite medical interior and night-vision-goggle capability. It can reach speeds of 178 mph and can accommodate a pilot, two paramedics, one patient and one passenger.