The UK’s National Air Ambulance Week (#NAAW2016) has only just begun and we have already been wowed by how some of the industry is pushing the edge of possibilities.

Did you know that London’s Air Ambulance does roadside open heart surgery, on average about eight times a month? Amazing yes, and usually within minutes of an injury.

As expected, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (#HEMS) continue to develop their expertise and innovate in service delivery.  But did we honestly expect roadside open heart surgery would be a reality in 2016?

While winching a Paramedic down to a patient and lifting them both back up once seemed incredible, now open heart surgery is at the leading edge of HEMS pre-hospital care. 

All we can say is ‘watch this space’ – there are likely to be a lot more surprises in store in the sector and London’s Air Ambulance is definitely a service to watch.

London’s Air Ambulance is a registered UK Charity.  You can support their paramedics, pilots, doctors and staff with a donation on their website here. They are not only awesome at innovating, but also at infographics! Check out an average month below.

National Air Ambulance Week runs 19 – 25 September 2016.

All images courtesy of London Air Ambulance.