Lions President Phil Bunt presents the paramedics and pilot of the Cornwall Air Ambulance with a club bannerette next to the helicopter which features the Lions logo.
Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust becomes first in UK to use new equipment
The Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust will be in peak performance this summer as paramedics now have access to lifesaving new equipment
A laryngoscope has been purchased by the charity thanks to a donation from Newquay Towan Blystra Lions Club.
Of all the air ambulance trusts in the country Cornwall is the first to begin using this equipment, which is used to allow paramedics to look down the throats of patients having trouble breathing.
Phil Bunt is the president of the Newquay Towan Blystra Lions, which donated the £4,500 needed to purchase the laryngoscope.
He said: “I met Susie, the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust’s (CAAT) fundraising manager, by chance and she told me about the great work they do. I went back and suggested to the Lions that we should make them our charity of the year.”
Phil explained that they prefer donations to buy something tangible, which is why Susie suggested the laryngoscope.
“The only issue was that the air ambulance needed it immediately, so we have paid for it and will now raise money throughout the year to replenish that money.”
The Newquay Towan Blystra Lions will organise fundraising events in coming months and has already held a Brains of Newquay quiz.
“We’re absolutely delighted that the money is being used for something like this. It gives us great pleasure to know we’ve bought something helpful and of real value,” said Phil.
Lions Lynn Bartrip-Kay and Lesley Clarke are pictured with the Duchess of Cornwall, being demonstrated the new piece of equipment during a recent visit
Susie Smith from the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, said: “This medical equipment will make a massive difference for paramedics trying to do their jobs to the best of their ability. The support of the Newquay Towan Blystra Lions is greatly appreciated and we can’t thank them enough.”
It is the first time the Newquay Towan Blystra Lions has raised money for a charity of the year. The club started four years ago and has previously put fundraising efforts towards local groups and charities.
Phil said that whilst the CAAT is the club’s official charity of the year, it will continue to support the community.
The new piece of equipment has already had the royal seal of approval, when it was demonstrated to the Duchess of Cornwall during a visit last month. Lions Lesley Clarke and Lynn Bartrip-Kay were present at the visit, representing the club. You can view a video of the demonstration, courtesy of BBC Radio Cornwall here.
The members of the Lions were invited to the Air Ambulance HQ near Newquay, where they were given a tour of the new facilities, and shown around the helicopter by the paramedics and pilot. They also demonstrated the new piece of equipment. They also saw the large Lions logo, which has been placed on the side of the helicopter as a thank-you for their support.