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“Sorry We Woke You Up But We’re Saving Lives” - Air Ambulance Labelled ‘Inconsiderate’ After 4am Flight

Islanders are among those to have flocked to the defence of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA), after the life-saving charity was labelled “inconsiderate” for waking up residents while on a late night shout.

Posting on social media, HIOWAA says it’s not it’s “intention to disrupt your evening, but rather save lives.”

The charity received a message from a resident following a call-out at 4am this morning (Saturday).

In it, the air ambulance was asked to justify why it was flying so low over residential properties.

The person then went on to say they would not be donating to the charity anymore.

In response, HIOWAA said:

“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.”

Since posting on its social media channels, HIOWAA has been inundated with messages of support.

Hampshire Roads Policing Unit are among those to have paid tribute to the charity:

HIOWAA says it is “overwhelmed” by messages of support.

”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.”

Last December alone, HIOWAA responded to 134 potentially life-saving call-outs, including five on Christmas Day.

It costs the Air Ambulance approximately £15,000 a day to maintain its service, with each mission costing on average £2,882.

The charity is run solely on donations and receives no Government funding.

You can donate to HIOWAA, here: https://www.hiowaa.org/donate/.

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