GNAAS prepares for TT period with enhanced on-Island support

Air ambulance charity to deploy road-based team

The Great North Air Ambulance Service says it is preparing for the Isle of Man TT by ensuring additional specialist support is available on the Island.

While the charity will not be providing direct air cover for the event it will station a road-based critical care team on the Isle of Man throughout the TT period.

This will support the Isle of Man Ambulance Service.

Chief Executive Joe Garcia says it will ensure the advanced skills, typically delivered by its helicopter crews, remain accessible even when aircraft are not deployed locally.

When required the air ambulance can usually be airborne within minutes with a typical flight time of around 35 minutes to reach the Island.

Mr Garcia adds that collaboration between GNAAS and the Isle of Man Ambulance Service continues to grow with opportunities to enhance training and expose paramedics to complex cases they may not routinely encounter.

He, and fundraiser Mandy Karsa, spoke to Manx Radio's Christy DeHaven:

GNAAS is a charity providing emergency medical care including advanced procedures and rapid transfers to UK hospitals.

It costs around £9.3 million a year to operate with at least £124,000 needed annually to maintain its service to the Isle of Man.