Czech-Mates pass on global baton to local air ambulance charity
Tuesday, 03 June, 2008
Chief Executive David Philpott in conversation with President of the Czech Senate, Dr. Premysl Sobotka.
Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance has been successful in beating off fierce international competition and secured the right to host the next AirMed World Congress in the UK for the first time.
The announcement that the charity has been chosen to hold the prestigious conference in 2011 came at a Gala Dinner in Prague Castle last week, at the end of the 2008 Congress. In many parts of the world, air ambulance services are commercially driven or insurance-funded, making this achievement even more significant bearing in mind the not-for-profit status of Kent, Surrey, Sussex Air Ambulance.
Airmed is a prestigious triennial conference in the diaries of leading clinicians and aviation specialists and attracts an audience of up to 1000 delegates from all over the world. Previous Airmed congresses have been held in locations such as Barcelona, Boston and Sydney.
David Philpott, Chief Executive of the Air Ambulance said 'It is such an honour to be asked to put on this fantastic event - in the aero-medical world, it is like winning the bid to host the Olympics. However, I must pay tribute to the Chairman and board of trustees of this Charity, whose diligence and attention to detail enabled us to put together such a well thought-out proposal.'
Even though the event is 3 years away, sponsors, exhibitors and delegates have already begun to register their interest at www.airmed2011.com
The Congress will be held in Brighton with events focused around the Brighton Centre, the Royal Pavilion, the Museum and numerous hotels. Jill Playle, who is the main organiser said 'We looked at lots of places in the South East, but chose Brighton because of the tremendous support and enthusiasm of the City Council and in particular "Visit Brighton" who will be helping with all the accommodation arrangements'.
The Air Ambulance works in partnership with Sussex Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service to provide a regional air ambulance service after the onset of darkness It is funded entirely by voluntary donations and does not receive any government or national lottery funding.
Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance recently published a 'Strategic Review and Update' which outlined the progress in pre hospital critical care made by the Charity over the last three years and is available on the website.
