Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) has been busier than ever, responding to a record number of incidents in the first half of 2024. The specialist crew provided critical care to 1,159 people between January and June, marking a significant increase of approximately 21% compared to the same period last year.

A Lifesaving Team

GWAAC’s Critical Care Team plays a crucial role in emergencies. On average, they respond to an additional person every day, providing expert medical assistance to those in urgent need. Whether it’s a serious road traffic collision or a sudden health crisis, GWAAC’s team is there to give patients a chance at survival.

Increasing Demand

Despite the unpredictability of emergencies, GWAAC remains committed to being prepared. Operating costs have risen, with the average cost per mission now around £2,200—a 10% increase. Tim Ross-Smith, GWAAC’s Operations Officer, emphasizes that nobody plans to need an air ambulance or Critical Care Team, but the demand continues to grow. The charity relies on public support to maintain its lifesaving services.

Young Lives Saved

GWAAC’s mission statistics reveal an interesting trend: an increase in call-outs to babies, children, and teenagers. In the first half of 2024, one in five calls was related to young people. Call-outs to this age group rose by 52%, and the crew responded to almost double the number of babies (from 26 to 50).

Responding to Emergencies

The charity also saw a rise in calls related to specific incidents. Instances of someone collapsing increased by 85% compared to 2023 (from 41 to 76), and stabbing-related incidents rose by 75% (from 47 to 82). Despite these challenges, GWAAC’s dedicated team remains committed to swift and effective responses.

Critical Care Cars

Interestingly, GWAAC’s crew increasingly used critical care cars for call-outs. In the first six months of 2024, they responded to over three-quarters of patients using cars rather than helicopters—a 7% increase from the previous year.