18

The unnamed person wrote to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance to ask it to “explain” why they had been flying at 04:00 in the morning. Twitter users said they were “gobsmacked” at the complaint after the service shared a screenshot. “It is not our intention to disrupt your evening, but rather save someone’s life,” the service said. The resident said they would no longer donate to the air ambulance, which is a charity, as a result of it being “inconsiderate”. However, hundreds of people came to the air ambulance crew’s defence, including a military veteran who said the sound of helicopters triggers his post-traumatic stress disorder. “But every time I see or hear yours, it helps to know you’re there helping someone,” he added. Another said: “I’m genuinely gobsmacked how somebody could send a message like that to people that are out 24/7, 365 days a year to save lives!” The air ambulance team responded: “We are genuinely overwhelmed by your kind replies. “Sadly this isn’t the first time we’ve had a complaint like this and it probably won’t be our last, but it’s reassuring to know you are there for us.”