Wiltshire’s Air Ambulance service calls out for more funding to cover major cost increases

Likely quite a few readers of this piece are still here, alive and healthy due to the intervention of the Air Ambulance. Either providing vital fast expert care or transporting us to the nearest appropriate hospital where our treatment and course to recovery began. And at that stage, speed of initial care is a big factor in successful recovery, or even saving a life. But the Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance service is a charity. They rely on us, and in their own words – “The Charity relies entirely on the generous support of local businesses and the public to operate”.

(Personal) Ed Note: I’m one of that select group above. Without their rapid and expert attention a while back It’s likely I wouldn’t be writing this, or even be here today.

This year they are looking to raise over £5m to keep up with the rising costs associated with delivering this lifegiving service. Last year they made a record number – 1,343 – of missions from their Semington base, demonstrating that the need for this service has never been greater. More than half of these missions were carried out with a doctor on board, important as this enhances the level of care that can be provided to the patient.

Chief executive David Philpott said: “We know the demand for our medical expertise has never been greater and that puts understandable pressures upon the Charity.

“Just like people across the country, we have been experiencing sharp rises in our utility bills, as well as fuel for our helicopter. It is part of our long-term strategy to ensure critical care doctors are part of our aircrew as much as possible, as they can carry out much-needed surgical procedures and medical interventions.

“We are very fortunate that the people of Wiltshire and Bath have supported our Charity for 35 years, digging deep to donate the necessary funds needed so we can continue to be there for those people who need us most.”

Now in its 35th year, having first flown in 1990, the call for funding is as vital today as it has been at any time since that first helicopter took off. We can help, and click here to access the Air Ambulance website to find out how you can support this vital charity and service.