SCOTLAND’S only first aid charity, which was formerly the country’s only ambulance service, has said it is in critical need of financial support to update vehicles over the introduction of Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Glasgow.
Scotland’s first LEZ will be introduced in Glasgow on June 1, meaning that older, non-compliant vehicles will be faced with fines starting from £60 when travelling through the city centre.
Headquartered within the LEZ, St Andrew’s First Aid is “up against the clock to update its small fleet” of vehicles.
Vehicles of the Scottish Ambulance Service have been exempt from the incoming LEZ regulations, but not those of the first aid charity.
It is seeking sponsors to support the charity with up to £300,000 to enable them to upgrade to more efficient, greener vehicles that won’t elicit fines for entering the LEZ.
The charity is open to reciprocal support in return for donations, such as carrying corporate branding across its vehicles.
St Andrew’s First Aid currently operates eight first aid vans, which are fitted with beds and life-saving first aid equipment. Two pool cars are also required in order to transport volunteers and first aid supplies.
Stuart Callison, chief executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “The new low emission zone is a landmark change that will help to improve the health of everyone in the city centre – and we fully support its introduction. However, charities everywhere have been met with rising costs and economic challenges, and we are no exception.
“Upgrading our pool cars and first aid vehicles to more efficient models has been front of mind for some time, but our priority has focused on ensuring the continued delivery of community training, which brings with it significant costs.
“We are lucky to have dedicated and supportive sponsors and patrons, enabling our presence at major events across the country. But now, vehicle upgrades have become a pressing matter, and we would welcome the sponsorship or support of any organisation that is able to help us continue to carry out our vital work.”
As Scotland’s only first aid charity, the organisation does not receive government funding and relies on donations from organisations, trusts and the public. Every year, St Andrew’s First Aid educates over 20,000 people across Scotland on vital life-saving techniques.
Founded in 1882, the organisation is vital in providing first aid event cover all over Scotland – from musical festivals such as TRNSMT to community halls.
Around 900 volunteers across the country work close to 50,000 hours each year to provide urgent help to people in their greatest time of need.
To support St Andrew’s First Aid, please contact the charity via https://www.firstaid.org.uk/contact-us/.
