LIFE-saving helicopter crews have taken delivery of essential new safety equipment thanks to a four-figure grant.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) provides a full helicopter emergency medical service which covers 8,000 square miles across the North-East and Cumbria.

Now operating more hours and seeing more patients than ever before, GNAAS recently expanded its team to include three more air ambulance doctors.

As part of providing for their safety both in the air and on the ground, three new flight suits were required to ensure the crew is effectively protected against the elements whatever the weather and to increase their visibility even in low light.

To enable the purchase of the flight suits, GNAAS was awarded a £1,058 grant via Newcastle Building Society’s Ponteland branch.

Each flight suit, which costs over £350, comprises a flight top, flight trousers and knee and elbow pads and is designed so it can easily be adapted to different weather conditions.

Andy Mawson, director of operations at the Great North Air Ambulance Service, says: “These specialist flight suits are absolutely essential equipment for our crew members. They are made of the same material that a Formula One driver would wear, making them not only very safe but also hard wearing.

“Their adaptable design is essential as our Air Ambulance Doctors can go from treating a patient in a cosy living room to being on a cold mountain edge during an average shift, and they need to be comfortable working in both environments.

“We’re very grateful to the Society for helping us continue our work through this donation. Transporting patients at 190mph saves time, but what really saves lives is our critical care team and these flight suits are crucial to their work.”