London’s life-saving air ambulance will be grounded for the next three weeks for repairs.
The 24-hour helicopter service, which is run by a charity, saves countless lives each year by swooping to aid critically injured people at road crashes, crime scenes and other major incidents.
It treats an average of six people every 24 hours.
But it has no back-up helicopter at the moment.
London Air Ambulance says on its site: "When seconds count, the most effective way to reach critically injured patients is by helicopter."
But Graham Hodgkin, chief executive of the charity, said critically injured people would be taken directly to hospital by ambulance.
It covers 10 million people within the M25 and costs £5 million a year to run.
About £1.3 million of the running costs are paid for by the NHS but it still has to find millions each year to keep going.
Barts Health NHS trust pays for the trauma doctors and London Ambulance Service pays for the paramedics.
Regarding that last RT, I'm amazed that London only has one air ambulance.
— Blaynos (@Blaynos14) January 5, 2015
No @LDNairamb ambulance for 3 weeks. It will mean longer journeys in potentially critical situations. @LDNairamb http://t.co/rqXMc5A0pl
— London Live (@LondonLive) January 5, 2015
To donate £5 towards the cost of another helicopter, text HELICOPTER to 70800.
For further information about the charity and other ways to support them visit londonairambulance.co.uk
Has your life been saved by London's Air Ambulance? Let us know at digitalmedia@london.newsquest.co.uk
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