HAMPSHIRE and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) has today announced it will be introducing a second helicopter equipped with night flying technology.

The charity run service says it new EC135T3 copter will come into service in the middle of next year and will mean there will be round the clock cover.

The announcement comes during National Air Ambulance Week, a week in which the charity run services get together nationally to promote their work undertaken on a local and national level throughout the year.

HIOWAA chief executive John Perry said: “As a charity, we are committed to a path of continuous development and we have been progressively increasing our hours of coverage for some time now.

“It is thanks to the generosity and commitment of the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that we are able to take this important step forward and commit to night time flying.

“As a young charity, this is considerable achievement, keeping us at the forefront of Helicopter Emergency Services (HEMS) care, and allowing us to continuously improve our service to our community.”

Mark Ainsworth, South Central Ambulance Service operations director, said: “Full night flying capability will improve the scope and frequency of services delivered in order to enhance patient care and experience.”

Since the start of flying operations just seven years ago, HIOWAA has been steadily expanding its service to the community, and in May this year undertook its 5,000th mission.

During this time, the charity has achieved several landmark milestones, including the carrying of blood on board all flights, longer operating hours, and the introduction of regular doctor-led crewing.

In 2013, HIOWAA stated the ambition to have a doctor on board for every mission in 2015.

The charity is working to meet this target and is currently operating doctor-led crews for most missions.

Tim Shattock, managing director of Bond Air Services, which provide the helicopter, said: “We are proud to continue its relationship with HIOWAA and TVCAA.

“This new contract means we will work together to continue to provide this vital service to communities across the area for years to come.

“Introducing night operations will add an extra dimension of capability to our world-class air ambulance support, helping us save lives and provide emergency medical support where and when it is needed most.”