Every spring, medical emergencies surge across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
Will you help us be ready?
Give Monthly
Messages to our crew from recent donors
Life can change in an instant...
Scenic cycles. The first barbecue of the year. That gardening project you’ve been putting off all winter. When spring arrives, the great outdoors gets busy – and tragically, medical emergencies surge.
None of us start a lovely sunny morning expecting to be met with one of the most challenging days of our lives. But that’s exactly what happened when Sam, a keen cyclist, devoted husband, and beloved father, hopped on his bike for a leisurely ride. Helmet on his head, breeze on his face, Sam was barely 400m from his door when he was involved in a collision. A van unexpectedly turned in front of him, knocking him unconscious and causing serious injury.
I’m Tom, one of the paramedics at Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) and I was on duty when the call came in for our crew to respond to this serious road traffic accident. Within minutes, we were briefed and in the air with our medical equipment loaded.
Soon after, we were on the scene with Sam. I assessed him immediately. My first priority was to treat his pain, and then to sedate him and splint his injuries.
It’s thanks to people like you that we were able to care for Sam. But when accidents surge this spring, more people in our communities will need our lifesaving crew.
“It has struck me that although I was with KSS for such a relatively short time, your care
undoubtedly provided me with the best possible outcome from my accident."
-Sam, former KSS Patient
Sam’s vital signs were dangerously low, and he was in a critical condition. Time was ticking. When someone sustains a serious injury, every second counts. Once we had treated and stabilised Sam, we needed to fly him to a specialist hospital, which would have been an uncomfortable hour-long journey by road – but by air, we could get him to a major trauma centre in a matter of minutes.
Every spring, I brace myself for a surge in medical emergencies like Sam’s collision. With more people heading outside for bike rides, barbecues, and DIY projects, life-threatening incidents increase.
Sam sustained serious injuries which led to a long process of several surgeries and intensive
physiotherapy. I caught up with him recently, and it was great to see he’s making a good recovery. He’s back on his bike, too!
Last year, certain types of medical incidents doubled in spring compared with winter.
That means more
Reflecting on how his life today could have been very different given the severity of his collision, Sam told me:
“It has struck me that although I was with KSS for such a relatively short time, your care undoubtedly provided me with the best possible outcome from my accident.”
He added: “The crew brought a sense of calm among the other first responders. It was clear that the team were experienced in dealing with these incidents. They took control of the situation.”
Sam asked me to pass on an important message encouraging every cyclist to invest in the best helmet they can afford. So please, I hope you’ll enjoy the outdoors this spring, but whether you’re on a bike ride, doing DIY in the house or garden, or lighting the barbecue – do stay safe.
Tom Mikrut
Victoria Trinder - October 12, 2025
Donated: £35.00
"This donation is at the request of my Grandma, Ruth Trinder who is 100 today. Instead of gifts she very generously requested a donation to aid the fantastic work of Kent Air Ambulance."
Michael Tuffley - October 9, 2025
Donated: £35.00
"You do a fabulous job and can only thank you for the great service you provide"
Charlotte Taylor - October 3, 2025
Donated: £20.00
"In loving memory of Judith Hansford 9/1/35 - 7/9/25 Love from Wendy, Carol and Barry"
Chris Babbage - September 27, 2025
Donated: £35.00
"I see air ambulance fly over my place a lot off to save another person's life keep up the brilliant work excellent that is why im already doing cpr training"
Derek Betts - September 25, 2025
Donated: £450.00
"I am happy to support the excellent work of the crew's of the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance."
Amanda McGeehan - September 24, 2025
Donated: £20.00
"In memory of ** Carter, supporter of air ambulance. Rest in peace. Xx"