London's Air Ambulance secured the funding to serve London around the clock, using rapid response cars throughout the night when it's too dangerous to land in London. This would not have been possible without the London Ambulance Service's decision to fund the wages of all paramedics.
The Pre-Hospital Care Programme was established in collaboration with Barts, the London School of Medicine and the London Ambulance Service. The first of its kind in the UK, it offered a chance for selected students to become part of a structured programme, allowing them early clinical exposure to the pre-hospital environment.
London's Air Ambulance Charity's lottery was launched. Contributing £1 a week now gives supporters a chance to win £1,000 while providing the charity with a regular income.
Image: Lucky lottery winners Lynda Stevens and her husband Ron receive their prize at the helipad
The first-ever London Trauma Conference occurred, meaning London became home to one of the most prestigious trauma education and research events in the world, led by Dr Gareth Davies and Prof David Lockey.
The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, visited London's Air Ambulance Charity in the aftermath of 7 July 2005 bombings.
Image: Ken Livingstone during his visit with Dr Gareth Davies, Medical Director at London's Air Ambulance
A royal visit in recognition of London's Air Ambulance's contribution during the capital's emergency medical response to the 7 July 2005 bombings took place shortly after the incident.
Image: HM the Queen at London's Air Ambulance Charity.
On 7 July 2005, London’s Air Ambulance dispatched 18 medical teams to the sites of the London bombings, helping to triage and treat over 700 patients. Sadly 52 people were killed in the series of coordinated terrorist attacks in central London, which targeted civilians using the public transport system during the morning rush hour.
London's Air Ambulance Charity gained recognition abroad for its governance, patient care standards and life-saving innovation. It is now a world-leading institution.
Image: Japanese translation of The Study of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in London
Potters Bar Train Crash - 10 May 2002
Seven people were killed and 70 injured when a train derailed in Hertfordshire. London’s Air Ambulance delivered advanced trauma teams to the scene of the incident and helped coordinate the emergency medical response, working alongside the London Ambulance Service.
The Physician Response Unit (PRU) was launched. Operated by London's Air Ambulance, the PRU responds to medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrests. It operates in the area around The Royal London Hospital, including the City and East London. Now expanded, but with the same focus of getting care to the patient where they need it, it continues to serve the local community to the present day.
