The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity is facing a severe financial crisis, with a record £300,000 deficit threatening the continuation of its vital services. According to the charity’s Chief Executive, Anna Perry, there is a pressing need for public support to ensure financial stability for the future. Perry indicated that while the charity has managed to cope with financial shortfalls for some years, ongoing reliance on reserves may force difficult decisions regarding the service’s operations.
Financial Strain and Increased Demand for Air Ambulance Services
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity is experiencing a significant rise in operational demands, forecasting approximately 400 additional call-outs this year compared to 2023. This increase means that on average, an additional person each day requires the specialized skills of Great Western Air Ambulance Charity’s critical care team. Between January 1 and June 30, 2024, the team responded to 1,159 urgent cases, marking a 21% increase over the same period in the previous year.
Perry noted that in her seven years leading the charity, she has never encountered such a challenging financial situation. She pointed out that the primary cost-saving measure would be to reduce helicopter usage, but acknowledged that the local community does not want the charity to make such sacrifices. She expressed hope that increased awareness about the charity’s needs would lead to greater support from the public and neighboring charities.
Rising Incidents and Calls to the Air Ambulance Charity
The charity has reported a notable rise in call-outs, particularly for young patients. There has been a 52% increase in calls involving children and teenagers compared to the same period in 2023. Notably, the number of call-outs for babies nearly doubled, from 26 to 50. Additionally, incidents involving individuals who have collapsed or were stabbed also saw significant increases. Calls related to collapses rose by 85%, while stabbing-related incidents increased by 75%.
