The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) is a vital service that experienced a surge in demand over the festive season, with a notable increase in call-outs compared to the previous year. This spike in activity highlights the crucial role this charity plays in our community.
During the Christmas period, from December 23rd to January 1st, 2026, the LNAA crew responded to a total of 55 emergencies. This is a significant rise from the 35 missions they undertook during the same period in 2024. Chief Executive Karen Jobling praised the tireless efforts of her team, who were on hand to respond to emergencies while most people were celebrating at home.
The majority of the call-outs were for medical emergencies (29), with road traffic collisions accounting for nine of the incidents. The busiest day for the crew was December 29th, with a total of 13 call-outs.
"This increase in missions is a testament to the essential nature of our service," said Jobling. "We are incredibly grateful for the support we receive from our community, as it enables us to continue saving lives."
Over the past 12 months, the charity has flown an impressive 1,608 missions and treated over a thousand patients. Looking ahead to 2026, the LNAA has exciting plans, including the delivery of new critical care cars in February and a focus on fundraising to support the arrival of a second helicopter in 2027.
However, here's where it gets controversial: the LNAA relies entirely on donations to fund its operations, which can be a challenging task. With annual costs running into the millions, the charity's future depends on the generosity of the public.
And this is the part most people miss: the LNAA's success is not just about the number of missions or patients treated. It's about the lives saved and the families brought back together. It's a powerful reminder of the impact a community can have when it comes together to support a vital cause.
So, what are your thoughts? Do you think enough is being done to support our air ambulance services? Is there more we, as a community, can do to ensure their sustainability? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below.
