In what marks the eighth anniversary of Air Ambulance, two long-standing members of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) are preparing to swap their usual emergency response roles for parachutes, as they take on a thrilling 15,000ft skydive to raise vital funds for the Air Ambulance NI charity.
They are seeking the public’s support in donations, all of which will help keep the helicopter flying to those in critical need.
Air Ambulance NI Pilot Richard (Rich) Steele and HEMS Doctor Ciaran McKenna – from Collegelands, Co Armagh– will undertake the daring challenge on Saturday September 6, at Skydive Ireland, Garvagh along with 23 other brave jumpers.
Both Rich and Ciaran have been integral members of the HEMS team since its inception on July 22, 2017, dedicating their time and skills to saving lives, brains and limbs.
With over 25 years of flying experience, including eight years with Air Ambulance NI, Rich is more accustomed to flying the helicopter at an altitude of 2,000 feet rather than jumping out of a plane at 15,000 feet.
This will be his first ever skydive, and while he admits to feeling “a little apprehensive” at free-falling at speeds of 120mph, he will be looking forward to landing
on the ground. “This is definitely outside my comfort zone,” said Rich.
“I’m usually in control at the front of the aircraft but I will have full confidence with the pilot’s skills on the day; I will be letting him do his job.”
Ciaran is an emergency consultant doctor with over 20 years’ experience, and currently splits his time between the Ulster Hospital and the HEMS team.
Unlike Rich, Dr. Ciaran is no stranger to the skies — he’s already completed two previous skydives but remains just as enthusiastic about this challenge. “I’m really looking forward to the day,” he said.
“It’s a fun way to raise awareness and funds for a great cause – we are very appreciative of how the charity keeps the helicopter funded and allows us to deliver pre-hospital care anywhere in the region within 25 minutes.”
This isn’t the first time the duo has gone the extra mile – quite literally – for the charity. In 2021, Rich and Ciaran were part of the HEMS team that completed the Helipad-to-Helipad Cycle Challenge, cycling 110 miles from South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen to the Royal Victoria Hospital helipad, Belfast which raised over £21,000 for Air Ambulance NI.
Breige Mulholland, Head of Operations for Air Ambulance NI, said: “I want to thank Rich and Ciaran for their continued support and taking time out of their busy work schedules to raise vital funds for the charity.
“We have just marked eight years of having a HEMS in the region.
“In that time the team have been tasked to 4,946 taskings which is an average of two occasions per day – it’s a stark figure and literally a daily reminder of how essential this service is for any of us.
“As a charity, Air Ambulance NI relies on the generosity of the public to maintain and sustain its essential services, aiming to raise £3 million annually. It is a huge
goal but with everyone’s support, it is achievable.
“I would ask for the public to get behind Rich and Ciaran, give what they can to their challenge and leave some words of encouragement on their fundraising page, they will really appreciate it.”
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, continues to be a lifeline for communities across the province, offering critical care at scene seven days a week, twelve hours a day.
The HEMS team is dedicated to providing urgent medical assistance to anyone in need, regardless of location, with the primary aim of saving lives, preserving neurological function, and preventing limb loss.
On average, the medical team is called upon twice daily to respond to a range of incidents, including serious road traffic collisions, farm or workplace accidents, sport and leisure incidents, and medical emergencies.
