All our thoughts are with you hammy for a speedy recovery!
On the subject of Air Ambulance funding, IMO if the UK goverment were to fund these aircraft I'm sure they would want a say or should I say control in the running of this life saving service.
At the moment yes the Uk Air Ambulances are reliant on the generosity of members of the public but at least then the air ambulance units can decide wheres best to spend that money at that time and are then able to make speedy changes to suit their own circumstances such as the purchasing of new equipment as and when they need it. Better that then having a goverment procurement process, which you don't have to look too hard to find classic examples of. eg Chinook Mk 3! (yes I know its bigger and more expensive than a bandage, but you get idea)
I think keeping the Air Ambulances as charities gives the UK public the best service, putting these donations where its needed most in keeping these aircraft operating rather than funding a huge govermental admin network.
The YAA is just one of these charities.
As I said at the beginning, IMO, geting off my soap box now!
Rgds MS
