The vital work of the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) has been highlighted by a recent surge in call-outs over the Christmas period. This dedicated service, which relies entirely on charitable donations, saw a significant increase in demand compared to the same time last year.
Between 23 December and 1 January 2026, the LNAA crew responded to a total of 55 emergencies, a notable rise from the 35 missions undertaken during the same period in 2024. Chief Executive Karen Jobling praised the tireless efforts of her team, who worked around the clock to provide critical care when many were celebrating at home.
The majority of these call-outs were for medical emergencies (29), with road traffic collisions (9) also featuring prominently. The busiest day for the crew was 29 December, with 13 call-outs in a single day.
"This increase in missions is a stark reminder of the essential role our service plays in saving lives," Jobling said. "We are incredibly grateful for the support of our community, without whom we simply couldn't continue our life-saving work."
Looking back on the past 12 months, the charity has flown an impressive 1,608 missions and treated over a thousand patients. As they look ahead to 2026, new critical care cars will be delivered in February, and the charity will focus on fundraising efforts to support the arrival of a second helicopter in 2027.
The LNAA's reliance on donations is a crucial aspect of their operations, with the service costing millions each year. This highlights the importance of community support and the impact it has on ensuring the continuity of this vital emergency service.
And here's where it gets controversial: with the increase in demand, should we be questioning the sustainability of relying solely on donations to fund such a critical service? Or is this a testament to the power of community support and the resilience of those who give selflessly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
