The Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance charity in the United Kingdom announced that it now needs to raise over £5 million annually to keep pace with the rising costs of delivering its lifesaving service. In 2024, the air ambulance responded to a record 1,343 incidents, with doctors being present for 51% of the missions, reflecting a significant boost in the level of care provided.
The charity explained that sharp rises in utility costs, fuel bills, and the price of delivering critical care have placed substantial financial pressure on the organization. Dr. Maria Smith, medical director at the charity, emphasized that ensuring the resources to deliver the best possible care remains their top priority.
Founded in 1990, the air ambulance initially served Wiltshire but expanded its operations to officially cover Bath in 2024. Since 2019, critical care doctors have regularly joined the crews, enabling procedures such as treating heart wounds, performing emergency C-sections, and administering anesthesia at the scene.
Increased Operational Reach of Air Ambulance Services
Chief executive, David Philpott, reported that demand for the air ambulance service had never been greater. He noted that while having doctors on board the majority of missions enhances the quality of care, it also increases the operational costs significantly. Philpott expressed gratitude for the public and business community’s consistent generosity, stating that their support has been essential for the charity’s continued service over the past 35 years.
In 2024, the air ambulance witnessed a 15% rise in missions compared to the previous year, averaging four callouts per day. Swindon, Chippenham, and Trowbridge were among the most frequent incident locations, while Bath recorded more than 100 calls for the first time.
Following the rebranding to include Bath in its name, the charity highlighted that around 9% of its missions now involve the city. The charity also reported that more doctors are now attending callouts, allowing stronger medications and emergency blood transfusions to be administered rapidly. Additionally, the air ambulance crews were increasingly called to assist outside their main area, covering regions such as Bristol, Berkshire, Devon, Dorset, and even Wales.
