Students at Ark Alexandra were given a powerful insight into frontline emergency response today as Mike Barnes from KSS Air Ambulance, Aer House’s nominated charity, delivered an inspiring assembly.
Year 9 and 10 students attended at William Parker Campus and the assembly was live streamed to all tutor groups across both campuses. ensuring every student could hear about the incredible, life-saving work made possible thanks to charitable support.
Mike immediately captured students’ attention by sharing that KSS responds to around 3,500 emergency calls every year, nearly 10 every day. From serious road traffic collisions to cardiac arrests and critical medical emergencies, the team is often first on scene when minutes matter most.
A key focus of the talk was the “golden 10 minutes”, the crucial period immediately following a serious incident. Students learned how rapid response, advanced medical skills, and specialist equipment on board the helicopter can dramatically improve survival chances and long-term outcomes.
Mike explained how the air ambulance brings hospital-level care directly to patients, delivering life-saving interventions at the roadside, in homes, or in remote locations before transferring them swiftly to specialist hospitals.
The session not only educated students about emergency medicine and community responsibility but also inspired many considering future roles in healthcare, aviation, and charitable work.
Staff praised the assembly for being both informative and deeply engaging. By live streaming the event to all tutor groups, the entire year cohort could hear firsthand about the dedication, skill, and impact of the KSS team and better understand what the donations from fund-raising house events help to support.
The visit reinforced the importance of community support for air ambulance services, which rely heavily on charitable funding to continue their critical work.