Air Ambulance Charity KSS Aims for New Cardiac Equipment

An air ambulance service operating across south-east England aims to implement new equipment designed to aid in the treatment of individuals experiencing cardiac arrest. Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) intends to acquire an on-scene life-support system, specifically extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, with the goal of enhancing the “speed and effectiveness” of the care it provides. The organization, currently observing its 35th anniversary this month, successfully raised £1m earlier in the year to purchase a second rescue helicopter outright. David Welch, the chief executive of KSS, stated that the service would “continuously strive to collaborate and innovate to improve the care we deliver”. Duncan Bootland, the medical director for the charity, commented: “We are looking at innovations around the world and advances in technology around how we can support people’s hearts and lungs whilst they are having a cardiac arrest.” The charity reported having completed over 46,000 missions since its establishment in 1989. On average, it responds to approximately nine emergency calls daily. This year’s Christmas fundraising appeal by the charity features Sam Jenner, a former patient. She experienced a cardiac arrest collapse while six months pregnant. She stated, “Without KSS, lots of families like mine would face very different futures.” Kate Chivers, who founded the organization as an independent charity, remarked: “Who would have thought our fledging would become such a beautiful eagle?” She added, “Anyone who was there at the beginning would be astonished and delighted at what has been achieved.” Over 80,000 individuals participated in the recent KSS Restart a Heart campaign, which provided CPR training sessions, including one conducted with Brighton & Hove Albion footballers.