Air Ambulance

Welcome aboard Helimed 21, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, run by Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex.

Summer is the busiest time of year for KSS, and today is no exception.

Join Dr Kevin Fong with his fellow medics and pilots as they race to serious incidents across their nearly 3000 square mile patch. With unique access and using a suite of carefully tailored microphones, hear first-hand how medics and pilots at the cutting edge of their professions deal with the worst days of their patients' lives. Real events, real decisions, in real time.

After being trapped in his car for over an hour following a collision, patient Will is in a bad way. A South East Coast Ambulance paramedic who used to work for HEMS is first on scene. As Will’s condition deteriorates despite her expert efforts, she calls her for the help of KSS. They rush to the scene and she passes the baton in the chain of survival. But Will is still going downhill - it’s clear he’s been critically injured. Even flying the emergency room service to him, as KSS does thousands of times each year, may not be enough to save his life.

When a case is this serious, every decision is a balance of benefits and risks, all with high stakes. From careful diagnosis of multiple serious injuries to delivering a blood transfusion, we hear how the KSS medical team weigh up the available choices in their attempt to save Will.

If you’ve ever seen an air ambulance whirring overhead and wondered where they’re going - this is a story for you.

With thanks to Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex, South East Coast Ambulance and Royal Sussex County Hospital.
Presenter: Dr Kevin Fong
Producer: Jen Whyntie
Executive Producer: Rami Tzabar
A TellTale Industries production for BBC Radio 4