Cornwall Air Ambulance flew 470 missions in first half of 2026

The red helicopter that carries the name the Duchess of Cornwall has had few quiet days this year. Newly released figures from Cornwall Air Ambulance show the crew was tasked to 470 missions in the first six months of 2026, an average of more than two call-outs every day across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

What the crew was called to

The 470 total covers a wide spread of emergencies. Trauma made up the largest share, with 192 incidents. There were 146 medical incidents and 127 cardiac arrests over the same six months. The crew also carried out 5 inter-hospital transfers, moving patients who needed specialist care somewhere else fast.

Added together, those call-outs paint a picture of a service that rarely stands still, whatever the day of the week or the time of night.

📷Credit: Cornwall Air Ambulance

There every day of the year

The charity says it is there 365 days a year for people who are critically ill or injured right across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It has put that constant readiness down to the people who back it, thanking supporters for the ongoing help that keeps the aircraft flying.

Anyone who wants to keep the crew in the air can find ways to give, fundraise and get involved on the charity’s support page.

With the second half of the year already under way, the tally for 2026 is still climbing.

📷Credit: Cornwall Air Ambulance