What we have asked for is a genuinely independent review of the proposal and the statistics that underpin it. The modelling system used wasn't designed for this the sort of thing. Many of the additional patients that apparently could be reached have already been addressed by enhancements to the Cardiff base. Remember the recent reports on the service, highlighting the need to enhance the Caernarfon service? Taking it away will never be an enhancement. Even with one of the helicopters having night-flying abilities, which we would all welcome, remember that means shifting one of the Caernarfon/Welshpool helicopters to an afternoon shift, meaning you'd have an enormous geographical area served by just one helicopter much of the time, and, in that scenario, the more densely populated areas of the north-east again are likely to be a big draw on resources.

These aren't just my fears; they're the fears of air ambulance operators, who point to the much increased flying time to some communities, and of doctors and paramedics. And let me finish with one last very important point: the air ambulance is a very, very powerful recruitment tool. Take away their Caernarfon base for example, and there goes that very valuable carrot to attract new emergency medicine doctors to Ysbyty Gwynedd, for example.

So, let's step away from the brink here, let's have proper engagement, let's really review what this proposal means independently and so avoid risking the amazing and well-merited goodwill and support shown to the Welsh air ambulance by the public in all parts of Wales.