THE experience of Cowdenbeath man Gordon Taylor spells out loud and clear how important the air ambulance service is.

Gordon was only too ready to praise the work of the ambulance service in general but in particular the air sector which took him to Ninewells Hospital, in Dundee, where the massive injuries caused by his accident with a forklift truck were tackled.

He is convinced that had it not been for the speed he was conveyed to Ninewells by the air ambulance he may well have died.

The service in Scotland is provided by the air sector of the Scottish Ambulance Service and also Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance.

The Ambulance Service has two helicopters and two fixed wing aircraft, while the SCAA has one helicopter and between them they provide the cover which daily deals with emergencies.

Gordon Taylor's experience unfortunately has to be repeated regularly with mishaps all over the country posing requirements for fast transport to hospitals.

SCAA are currently in the process of raising funds to get a second helicopter into service and they are charity worth backing.

Gordon Taylor's experience shows how vital these machines are to the ambulance cover in Scotland.