Cornwall Air Ambulance Missions Increase by 10% in 2023, Charity Launches Appeal for Second Helicopter

Cornwall Air Ambulance reported a 10% increase in its mission count for the year 2023. Tasked with 1,160 missions, the charity played a crucial role in responding to various emergencies across the region.

The newly released figures highlight the diverse nature of the emergencies handled by the air ambulance crew. Of the total missions, 534 were trauma-related, while 297 involved responding to medical emergencies. In a notable effort to save lives, the crew was called to 306 cardiac arrest incidents. Further underlining their critical role, the team administered 19 blood transfusions on-site and facilitated 19 inter-hospital transfers.

Mick McLachlan, the Lead Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care, reflected on the challenging year, noting particularly high activity during the summer months. He emphasised the vital support from the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, whose generosity enables the rapid deployment of skilled crews and specialist equipment for lifesaving interventions.

In response to the rising demand for its services, Cornwall Air Ambulance has launched the Heli2 Appeal. This fundraising campaign aims to gather £2.85 million over the next year to acquire a second high-specification AW169 helicopter. The addition of this aircraft would significantly enhance the charity’s operational capacity in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly regions.

Tim Bunting, the Chief Executive of Cornwall Air Ambulance, stressed the necessity of the second helicopter. The increase in missions underscores the growing need to expand their service. With one helicopter often out for maintenance, the availability of a second would ensure continuous service, allowing the crew to undertake hundreds of additional missions and save more lives.

The initiative to acquire a second helicopter reflects Cornwall Air Ambulance’s commitment to enhancing emergency medical services and their capacity to respond swiftly to critical situations, ultimately aiming to save more lives in the region.

Find out how you can support the #heli2 appeal this year by visiting: www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org