Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s pilots, paramedics, and doctors stand ready to provide critical care throughout the Christmas and New Year period, ensuring that those in need receive timely and essential medical assistance.
Operating up to 19 hours a day, 365 days a year, the charity’s ability to stay airborne and save lives relies on generous donations from the people of Wiltshire, Bath, and the surrounding areas. Even during the festive season, when many are enjoying well-deserved time off, the aircrew remains on call, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to responding to emergencies.
On Christmas Day, critical care paramedics Craig Wilkins, Keith Mills, Paul Rock, and critical care doctor David Connor, alongside pilots Rob Backus and George Williams, will be among those on duty. Craig Wilkins, a critical care paramedic who recently celebrated his marriage, will be spending his first Christmas as a husband on shift at the charity’s airbase in Semington, near Trowbridge. Despite the demands of the job, he extends heartfelt wishes to the community for a peaceful and happy Christmas.
“I hope people in Wiltshire, Bath, and surrounding areas have a peaceful and happy Christmas,” says Craig.
“This will be the tenth time I’ve worked over the festive period, so I’m well used to it. With shift work, it’s part of the job really, and as I don’t have children, I don’t mind. My wife Claire, who is also a paramedic, will be working on Christmas day too, so hopefully, we will see each other at some point.”
Adding a festive touch to the airbase, Christmas trees donated by local companies, West Kington Nurseries Ltd and Devizes-based Superior Plants, are adorned with handwritten festive messages from the charity’s Christmas Raffle participants. A dedication tree, featuring heartfelt messages written in memory of supporters’ loved ones, stands as a poignant tribute following the charity’s recent In Celebration of Life Service at The Barn at Lowden Garden Centre.
Richard Miller, safety and ground base manager at the paid thanks to the continued community support: “Our service operates every day, so our pilots, critical care paramedics, and doctors are ready to respond to emergency incidents, such as road traffic collisions, cardiac arrests, and strokes, over the festive period.
“We are only able to provide our essential Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) thanks to people, businesses, and grant-making trusts who donate and fundraise for us. We hope everybody has a safe Christmas and New Year – and thank you, as always, for your continued support.”
The charity, receiving no regular direct funding from the Government or National Lottery grants, relies on fundraising efforts to secure £4 million annually to sustain its lifesaving operations.
To support Wiltshire Air Ambulance this Christmas, visit wiltshireairambulance.co.uk/donate and contribute to ensuring the ongoing availability of critical care services for the local community.
