Wiltshire Air Ambulance has experienced an unprecedented surge in demand, with a 25% increase in missions in the first half of 2024, marking the busiest start to a year in the charity’s history.
The crew was called to 682 incidents between January and June, compared to 543 in the same period in 2023, representing a 25.6% rise in the need for their critical care services.
The helicopter was utilised in 397 missions, accounting for 58% of the call-outs, while the remaining 285 incidents were attended by critical care cars. Swindon emerged as the most visited area, with 135 incidents in and around the town, including Cricklade, Highworth, and Royal Wootton Bassett.
Richard Miller, Safety and Ground Operations Manager, commented on the surge: “Unfortunately, this has been the busiest start to a year on record for Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charity. More people are becoming critically ill or injured across Wiltshire and Bath, requiring the skills and expertise of our aircrew. We have a very dedicated crew – consisting of pilots, paramedics and doctors – who have been responding to emergencies, on average, around four times every day so far this year. However, we would not be able to carry out this lifesaving work if it wasn’t for the amazing donors and local businesses who help our charity by raising vital funds to keep our helicopter flying and saving lives.”
A total of 169 patients were transferred to local hospitals, primarily the Royal United Hospital in Bath (52), the Great Western Hospital in Swindon (37), and Southmead Hospital in Bristol (36). Cardiac emergencies made up the largest number of call-outs with 157 incidents, equating to around a quarter of all missions. Other incidents included 152 neuro/medical collapses, 97 road traffic collisions, 89 trauma-related falls, 66 self-harm/suicide incidents, 43 sporting incidents, and 24 assaults.
Children and teenagers accounted for 28% of all missions, while just over a third (191 incidents) took place at night. The charity covers Wiltshire and Bath, as well as surrounding areas when necessary. Bath was the second most visited area with 60 incidents, followed by Chippenham (58), Devizes (39), Salisbury and Trowbridge (both 37). Notably, 24% of missions occurred outside Wiltshire and Bath.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charity’s lifesaving operations cost £4.5 million annually, which translates to approximately £12,000 per day.
The monthly breakdown of missions in 2024 is as follows: January (118), February (97), March (115), April (107), May (125), and June (120).
