The Irish Community Air Ambulance has launched a campaign appealing to agri-businesses nationwide to back the charity-funded organisation.
It is inviting more than 400 companies to become supporters of the air ambulance.
The charity predicts that it will be tasked to respond to more than 500 calls in 2021, which will cost €1.55m. It relies entirely on donations from businesses and members of the public to fund its service.
Irish air ambulance
The charity works in partnership with the National Ambulance Service and is tasked to respond to serious incidents and medical emergencies, often in rural and remote parts.
The Irish Community Air Ambulance has been tasked 275 times since the start of 2021; each mission costs the charity an average of €3,500.
The charity recently took the delivery of the world’s fastest civilian helicopter, as reported by us.
The helicopter can travel up to 300 kilometres per hour. It can fly the length of the country from Mizen to Malin Head in a little over 90 minutes. The same journey would take 8 hours by road.
The heli-med service can bring casualties to the hospital that best suits their needs, not just the closest geographically.
It is based in Rathcoole in County Cork and can put a 25,000km2 area within 30 minutes of emergency medical care.
Increase in the number of farm-related incidents
Colm Eustace, a former CEO of Glanbia Agribusiness, who is a member of the Community Air Ambulance board, said:
“We’ve seen an increase in the number of farming-related incidents so far this year.”
“We’re working with key partners to promote farm safety, but unfortunately, accidents still happen.”
“Our Air Ambulance service is vital to rural Ireland and the farming community. We’re appealing to the agri-business sector to support us in our mission to save lives.”
‘A real difference to people’
Micheál Sheridan, CEO of the Irish Community Air Ambulance, said: “The top ten agribusinesses in Ireland had a combined turnover of €30 billion in 2020.”
“Like us, they are rooted in rural Ireland. By becoming a supporter of the air ambulance, these companies can make a real difference to the lives of people in their communities.”
The Irish Community Air Ambulance has created four supporter levels from bronze to platinum, with branding opportunities available for interested agri-businesses.
To discuss becoming a corporate sponsor, contact Key Relationship Manager Karen O’Sullivan by emailing – [email protected]
