Ahead of Air Ambulance Week 2025 (8–14 September), we will feature in an ITV report to be broadcast this evening (Friday 5 September), between 6 and 6.30pm on ITV1 across all ITV regions.
Organised by Air Ambulances UK (AAUK), Air Ambulance Week is a key opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds for the lifesaving pre-hospital care air ambulances deliver every day. This year’s campaign message – ‘Every Mission Starts With You’ – puts the spotlight on the public. Every donation, fundraiser, or act of support plays a crucial role in making each mission possible.
KSS is one of 21 air ambulance charities across the UK. Collectively, air ambulance charities across the UK respond to over 49,000 lifesaving missions every year – an average of 135 a day – treating patients at the scene of the most serious incidents.
It costs KSS, which responds to an average of nine incidents each day, £20.8M a year or £57K per day to operate our world-leading lifesaving service with 91% of its total income coming from our communities.
David Welch, Chief Executive of KSS and a Trustee of AAUK, who was interviewed by ITV, said: “KSS is proud to be one of 21 air ambulances working across the UK to save lives every day. Life-threatening emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere at any time and we are here for everyone who needs us. Our expert medical teams save lives when every second counts.
“As an independent charity we can only continue our critical work thanks to the generosity of the communities we serve. Without you, we can’t keep flying. Without you we can’t save lives. Every mission starts with you.”
ITV visited our Redhill base and spoke to former patient Kate Mellor as well as crew members Dr Harriet Tucker, Dr Fionna Moore and Chief Executive David Welch. ITV reporter Chloe Oliver also had an opportunity to learn CPR with Harriet Tucker and paramedic Lynsey Grant, KSS Education and Prevention Lead.
On Monday 8 September at 7pm some local landmarks across our region, including Rochester Cathedral, Worthing Town Hall and Eastbourne Town Hall clock will be lit up red in tribute to KSS.
During the week we are hosting events for community leaders at our Redhill and Rochester bases to further increase awareness of our charity’s vital work amongst the communities we serves.
