Every spring, medical emergencies surge across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
Will you help us be ready?
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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
Michael Williams - April 15, 2026
Donated: £25.00
"Good luck with the appeal"
Michael Chowen - April 15, 2026
Donated: £805.00
"Congratulations on all you are achieving, Michael & Maureen"
Peter Booker - April 14, 2026
Donated: £60.00
"The air ambulance are such a fantastic professional team who work tirelessly 365 days of the year saving many many lives, I applaud you all, keep up the fantastic work."
Lorna Hartley - April 14, 2026
Donated: £30.00
"Thank you for everything you do."
Peter Joannou - April 14, 2026
Donated: £184.00
"Thank you for the work you do for us. We raised the money last Saturday Live On The Lanes in Brighton, I am Peter Joannou Brighton’s Singing Barber, along with my friend Glenys shaking the bucket and collecting donations from the community watching & listening to the show ."
Dennis Phillips - April 14, 2026
Donated: £500.00
"I have always thought that this was a very worthwhile organisation and although I had not used the Air Ambulance myself, I want to keep it going for the sake of any patients that do require emergency help."
Richard Hasler - April 14, 2026
Donated: £120.00
"If this amount doubles it might be half an hours worth of Jet A1. Keep up the great work"
Anonymous - April 14, 2026
Donated: £30.00
"Thank you for all of the good work you continue to do ."
Anonymous - April 13, 2026
Donated: £30.00
"You do a wonderful job, there are many people out there who owe you a huge debt, on their behalf, thank you."
Catheine Batho - April 13, 2026
Donated: £60.00
"In memory of Howard…a supporter of KSSX…who, has sadly died."
David Kingham - April 13, 2026
Donated: £60.00
"I am happy to support a great charity"
Stuart Mitchell - April 13, 2026
Donated: £30.00
"You never know. Don't think that you are invincible. These people are dedicated to all. I wish I could give a little bit more. Former patient."
Anonymous - April 13, 2026
Donated: £500.00
"The Air Ambulance services provide essential critical care at the scene of incidents - saving lives day after day after day. Amazing teamwork delivering amazing care in the field! That’s why I support them whenever I can."
Phaedra Hayter - April 13, 2026
Donated: £25.00
"Giving to the Air Ambulance is always worthwhile. Please to support you KSS!"