An air ambulance team has spoken out after receiving a text message accusing the first responders of being “inconsiderate” for flying their helicopter over a residential area in the middle of the night.
Received by Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, the texter said they would “no longer be donating” to their cause.
Taking to Twitter, the ambulance crew shared a screenshot of the text along with the message: “We always try our best to be there for the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, but messages like this, really affect our team’s morale.
“We are sorry the helicopter wakes people up at night, but it is not our intention to disrupt your evening, but rather save someone’s life.”
We always try our best to be there for the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, but messages like this, really affect our teams morale. We are sorry the helicopter wakes people up at night, but it is not our intention to disrupt your evening, but rather save someone's life. pic.twitter.com/0ihpjoIo5v
— Hants & IOW Air Amb (@HIOWAA) November 27, 2021
The full text reads: “Can you explain why you decided to fly at 1750ft from St Mary’s Hospital to Southampton General Hospital at 4am over residential properties - waking occupants. Inconsiderate I think, will NO longer be donating to your cause.”
Since sharing the tweet on Saturday night, the crew has been “overwhelmed” by messages of support.
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In a follow-up tweet, they said: "We are genuinely overwhelmed by your kind replies. Sadly this isn’t the first time we’ve had a complaint like this and it probably won’t be our last, but it’s reassuring to know you are there for us. Thank you for all your support.”
More than 13,000 people liked the tweet, and more than 2,000 people replied and quote tweeted the post.
The replies were firmly on the side of the air ambulance, with one Twitter user summing it up by saying: “You are trying to save lives which seriously outranks my sleep or inconvenience. Keep up the good work.”
To all emergency personnel. Do not ever worry about waking me in order to do your jobs, do not ever worry about delaying me in order to do your jobs. You are trying to save lives which seriously outranks my sleep or inconvenience. Keep up the good work.
— Duane Hysted (@DrHysted) November 27, 2021
I love the "can you explain", what did they think you were doing, collecting pizza?
— Ian Day 💙 (@IDay38) November 28, 2021
I'd have thought that 1750ft was pretty generous. It'd be a lot lower when you're landing 😜
Wow, what an inconsiderate thing to say. I'm sure that person wouldn't be saying that if they needed your urgent assistance, or if it were a family relative. You do a fabulous job and are purely run off of charitable donations, of which I am going to make now! All the best!
— Callum. (@LewisCallum) November 28, 2021
We live on one of your frequently used flight paths to UHS - every single time I hear HM56, I never fail to take a moment to be grateful for the amazing service you provide! You are all truly remarkable, never forget that!! #HIOWAA #airambulance pic.twitter.com/38fAliXHCN
— Jack Lloyd (@JackLloyd14) November 27, 2021
Heaven forbid they ever need your help. We have become a nation of spoilt, selfish brats... when I say we...
— Deborah Meaden 💙 (@DeborahMeaden) November 28, 2021
I live near to SGH (used to work there too &used to it landing/taking off) every time I see you fly over I think about who may be your patient & that they pull through. Also often have the Air/Sea rescue helicopter. You do a vital job & this person really is beyond contempt.
— Francesca L 💙 (@PPI_poppet) November 28, 2021
Probably never donated anyway. You, along with all the other rescue services deserve our unrelenting admiration and if your work happens to inconvenience us in any way then that's absolutely fine because you're more important than a bit of sleep , or a delay to our travel...
— Mike Grundy (@MykGee45) November 28, 2021
...(scowls) What is the MATTER with some people. :/ https://t.co/iPDra4V40i
— Diane Duane (@dduane) November 28, 2021
We live very close to NNUH & their air ambulance flies over daily. I just look at it & think some poor soul is in deep trouble there & pray for them & their families. Having needed emergency services twice this year myself I have nothing but the utmost admiration for them all 🌟
— mary walker (@maryewalker24) November 28, 2021
Hubby used to be on force chopper and a guy that lived nearby used to ring in every time they went out with similar complaints. They have no,idea that when you do fly it’s to save someone’s life. Ignore the hater, because the vast majority -99.9% think what you do is amazing 🚁💚
— SJRWales (@sjr_wales) November 28, 2021
You guys do a fantastic professional job so much respect for you and all the NHS personally i love hearing a helicopter. When i served in Afghanistan and we had casualties hearing the sound of a helicopter (MERT) meant help was nearby. Next year I'm studying for a paramedic
— Dan (@BigDuke6__) November 28, 2021
Just lost for words ..... @HIOWAA You are all heroes, we support you 👏💚 https://t.co/D7ZmUyFxcm
— Tom Gaymor (@TomGaymor) November 28, 2021
Veteran with PTSD here, one of my biggest triggers is the noise of a Heli...but every time I see or hear yours, it helps knowing you're there helping someone...whatever time of day. I've always donated and will continue to do so. Cheers for what you do.👊
— Calvin Brewer (@Calv31) November 28, 2021
Others shared their own stories of how air ambulances have helped them and their families:
This legend is alive, fit and well (and playing rugby) because of your @airambulancekss colleagues. Keep doing what you do. We’re forever grateful!! pic.twitter.com/ZHieyfIhnO
— El Drapo (@el_drapo) November 28, 2021
It’s not just kind messages and donations the team has been receiving. Others have even offered to make the crew cups of tea if they land nearby!
Faith in humanity restored.
