Merlyn's Life-Flight for Children

Many people think that inter-hospital transfers are covered by the Air Ambulances, but they are not. Air Ambulances only operate within their specific geographical areas and are an emergency service and not an inter hospital service. That's why Merlyn Lewis - a paramedic with over 40 years experience - set up Merlyn's Life-flight for Children. The helicopters will transport children in desperate need of urgent medical attention to hospitals or medical units some distance from where they are currently being treated. The charity is raising money to purchase and operate two dedicated, intensive care helicopters specifically designed to help save the lives of these children.

The charity will operate an inter-hospital, in-flight intensive care service for sick and injured children throughout the British Isles.

Every year, approximately 10,000 critically-ill or seriously injured children in the UK, are moved between hospitals for life-saving treatment at specialist units. The distance between hospitals, the time taken to make the journey (up to 17 hours in some cases), and the trauma of being transported by road ambulance can dramatically affect the well being of the patient. Over 75% of these children suffer from transport-related trauma caused by the rapid acceleration, deceleration or lateral movement experienced in a road ambulance.

This can result in longer stays in hospital, prolonged recovery times, and a higher percentage of patient deaths. There are some cases of children being transported over 500 miles by road without their next of kin because there was insufficient room for them in the ambulance.

Expert medical intervention and a method of rapid, stable transportation are vital if these young lives are to be saved.

Latest helicopter technology

The helicopters are highly visible machines powered by twin jet turbine engines. These helicopters have a range of 394 miles and are fitted with a highly specialised modular, medical intensive care interior. They will be able to transport a patient, medical escort, and a relative in comfort. The helicopter will fly direct, hospital-to-hospital at speeds of over 165 miles per hour, making the journey as fast and as safe as possible.

Full in-flight body access to the patient is available from a seated position via a unique swivelling attendant seat which travels the length of the stretcher on a special medical floor. The modular interior can be quickly configured to accommodate both adult and child patients.

The specialised interior also allows for the transportation of head trauma and spinal injury patients, as well as babies in incubators.

The air journey will eliminate the rapid acceleration, deceleration or lateral movement that a patient can experience in a road ambulance. Rough road surfaces, sharp bends and traffic related accidents are also avoided helping preserve the patient's life, comfort and well-being.

Based in the North West - operating nationwide

The helicopters will be based in Simonswood, West Lancashire, which is in the North West of England. This is an ideal location and is centrally placed for rapid response to any point within the British Isles.

What Merlyn's will achieve

The charity will save lives by reducing transportation time, and will relieve the suffering of children whilst in transport.

These helicopters have sufficient space onboard to include a medical team with the patient, and their next of kin.

It will also benefit hospital waiting lists by providing rapid inter-hospital transfers and by returning the medical escorts back to their base in the shortest time possible. This in turn will save hospitals serious disruption.

Merlyn's will provide a 24-hour service, 365 days a year throughout the whole of the UK.

The charity is dependent on public donations to raise the funds required for this unique, life-saving service. If you can help us by either volunteering or making a donation please contact us. For further information visit our website.