A RESIDENT took to social media to complain about the air ambulance, claiming the noise woke them up.

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) hit out at the resident on Twitter, and they received hundreds of comments leaping to their defence.

The complaint read: “Can you explain why you decided to fly at 1750 ft from St Mary's Hospital to Southampton General Hospital at 4am over residential properties - waking occupants. Inconsiderate I think, will no longer be donating to your cause.”

HIOWAA wrote: “We always try our best to be there for the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, but messages like this one we received over the weekend can really affect our team’s morale. We are sorry if the helicopter wakes people up at night. It is not our intention to disrupt your evening, but rather save someone's life.”

Calling the complaint an “absolute joke”, hundreds of social media users defended the ambulance service and added the HIOWAA is doing a great job.

One person wrote: “I’m shocked at how unbelievable some people are.

“Let’s hope they never need your service or one of their loved ones. You can fly over ours at anytime. No one ever knows when they may need your help.

“We are forever grateful as you gave us precious time to be with our son before he sadly passed suddenly. "I always pray for the ones when I see you fly over, but it also always makes me sad too.

“Thank you again I will always support and carry on donating each month.”

Another resident wrote: “I do not normally comment on FB but felt I needed to on this occasion. What a very disappointing message sent to you.

"I wonder if the sentiments would have been similar if they or someone they loved had been in need of the emergency transport?

"You all do an amazing job and are very much appreciated by the majority, regardless of time or route taken! Take care, stay safe.”