Wales Air Ambulance Visit by Ynysfach WI
Following an inspiring talk earlier this year by Alun Owen, whose life was saved by the crew of the Wales Air Ambulance, we decided to use our cake stall at the Resolven carnival to raise funds to support this charity.
On 14th October Ynysfach WI visited the Wales Air Ambulance base at Dafen, near Llanelli.
We were greeted by three lovely ladies who volunteer for the charity, they made us very welcome and explained that the helicopter was away on a call so they had been asked to show us around.
After an informative talk on the work of the air ambulance and how it is funded largely from donations and grants – for just this year they need to raise £13 million! In 2025 they flew 3,665 missions providing life-saving treatment wherever they are needed. This made our £300 donation seem very small but as they said every pound helps!
We then went over to the operational compound where Lewis, one of the highly trained paramedics showed us one of the cars that are used in situations unsuitable for the helicopter. The car is kitted out with all the same life-saving equipment as the helicopter and carries an emergency consultant and paramedic.
We had just finished talking to Lewis when the helicopter returned from its mission. We watched as the helicopter was refuelled and restocked with medical supplies so it was immediately ready for when the next call came.
The pilot/paramedic kindly stayed to show us the aircraft and give us further information about the vital work they do.
We were so grateful for their time and patience, a most interesting and enlightening visit.
To round off our trip we enjoyed a lovely lunch at The Sessile Oak, Trostre
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Report by Jen Colley
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