The vital role played by Wiltshire Air Ambulance in Swindon has been underscored by the latest statistics released by the life-saving charity.
In the course of 2023, a total of 1,167 missions were undertaken by Wiltshire Air Ambulance, demonstrating the increasing need for their services.
The charity responded to 202 missions in the Swindon area, covering locations such as Cricklade, Highworth, and Royal Wootton Bassett—an uptick from 199 in 2022.
Additionally, 57 patients were airlifted or escorted to the Great Western Hospital, an increase from the previous year’s figure of 44.
Richard Miller, Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Safety and Ground Operations Manager, praised the dedicated aircrew, consisting of pilots, critical care paramedics, and doctors, saying “We have a very dedicated aircrew who respond to emergencies, on average, three times a day, 365 days a year.
“These latest statistics show the need for our lifesaving service has sadly increased in the past 12 months and we could not do it without the amazing donors and local businesses who help raise the funds required to keep our air ambulance flying and saving lives.”
Of the 1,167 missions in 2023, the charity’s helicopter was utilised in 55%, amounting to 646 incidents, while critical care cars attended the remaining 521 incidents. A total of 292 patients were transferred to local hospitals, an increase from 263 in 2022.
Cardiac emergencies accounted for the largest number of call-outs, with 274 incidents, roughly a quarter of all missions. The breakdown of incidents also included 231 road traffic collisions, 237 medical emergencies, 60 sporting incidents, and 47 assaults. Notably, 157 incidents involved children, and 34% of all missions (397) took place during the night.
Swindon remains the most frequently visited area, followed by Bath (96 incidents), Chippenham (85), and Salisbury (70).
The aircrew also responded to incidents outside their operational patch, covering counties such as Bristol, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Oxfordshire, Somerset, and Worcestershire.
Monthly Breakdown of Incidents:
- January: 79
- February: 88
- March: 84
- April: 83
- May: 113
- June: 104
- July: 105
- August: 118
- September: 104
- October: 89
- November: 86
- December: 114
Incident Breakdown by Category:
- Cardiac: 23%
- Other medical conditions, including collapses and strokes: 20%
- Road traffic collisions: 20%
- Falls: 15%
- Sports (including horse riding): 5%
Wiltshire Air Ambulance, operating as a charity, relies on the support of the community as it receives no regular direct funding from the Government or National Lottery grants.
The charity remains grateful for the continued support from the people of Wiltshire and Bath in sustaining this vital air ambulance service.
Richard Miller finished off by saying “As it says on the side of the helicopter, we are funded by you, flying for you, and we are extremely grateful for all the support we receive from the people of Wiltshire and Bath.”
