Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity has responded to more than 600 emergency call-outs in the first half of 2025, underlining the ongoing need for rapid, specialist medical support across the region. From life-threatening medical conditions to serious road traffic collisions, the team continues to play a crucial role in delivering urgent care where every second counts.
With their distinctive yellow and green helicopter spotted regularly in the skies over Swindon and surrounding towns, the Charity has been a critical link in the region’s emergency response. Of the missions carried out, 291 were flown by helicopter while 316 were attended via their fleet of critical care cars.
One of the most significant developments in 2025 has been the increased presence of critical care doctors on board. Now attending over 65% of all missions, this reflects a notable rise from just over half (51.1%) in 2024. Having a doctor as part of the aircrew enables the team to deliver complex procedures and rapid interventions at the scene, often making the difference between life and death.
In and around Swindon, the crew has been called out 119 times this year – 91 incidents within the town and neighbouring villages, with 28 patients transferred directly to the Great Western Hospital. Southmead Hospital in Bristol and Bath’s Royal United Hospital remain regular destinations for patients needing specialist care, with 51 and 46 transfers respectively.
Richard Miller, Safety and Ground Operations Manager, praised the unwavering dedication of the crew: “We’ve responded to, on average, three emergencies a day so far this year. It’s a team effort involving pilots, paramedics and doctors who train relentlessly to deliver care under pressure. But it’s the support of our donors, local fundraisers and businesses that makes it all possible.”
Chippenham has seen 56 callouts, while Trowbridge (46), Bath (45), and Devizes (27) have all seen consistent activity from the team.
March 2025 stands as the charity’s busiest month on record, with 128 incidents recorded – averaging more than four missions per day.
The cost of keeping the service operational is staggering, with over £5 million needed annually. Yet, through public donations and community fundraising, the charity continues to serve the people of Wiltshire and beyond.
A breakdown of missions shows that medical emergencies made up just under half (49.4%), with trauma-related cases at 29.8%. Road traffic collisions represented 15.8% of missions, followed by sport and leisure incidents (3.1%) and other emergencies (1.9%).
As the year progresses, it’s clear that Wiltshire and Bath’s Air Ambulance team remains as indispensable as ever – with every mission a reminder of the crucial role they play across the region.
