Charity tasked with 117 missions last month
Cornwall Air Ambulance experienced its busiest May on record having been tasked with 117 missions last month. Figures from the charity show that the rise is almost 20% up on the same time last year.
‘May was our busiest month of the year so far, our missions included a range of trauma and medical related incidents including 26 cardiac arrests, 11 road traffic collisions, three inter-hospital transfers and 10 taskings to the Isles of Scilly alone,’ says Steve Garvey, Air Operations Officer.
‘A rise in emergency calls means a growing pressure on our aircrew, with more back-to-back missions, as well as higher demand on our aircraft.’
The news comes as the charity’s Heli2 Appeal passes the £1million mark. It aims to secure a second AW169 helicopter for the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by the end of the year.
The team says that owning an additional high-specification aircraft will mean that the crew are always able to respond on the best suited helicopter when online and attend more missions by air.
The add it’ll benefits from high weight and fuel capacities with a larger amount of space for kit and crew. They add it’ll have the ability for helicopter emergency service (HEMS) operations at night.
Cornwall Air Ambulance experienced its busiest May on record. Image: CAA.
‘A fantastic milestone’
‘This is a fantastic milestone to reach halfway through the year and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated so far,’ says Karen Hurn, Head of Fundraising and Philanthropy.
‘There is still a long way to go to hit our £2.85m target and there are so many different ways that you can get involved, from becoming a Heli2 Hero and having your name featured on the second helicopter, to playing our BIG Heli2 Raffle or even funding a mission.’
‘By supporting the Heli2 Appeal, in whatever way you choose, you really can make a lifesaving difference.’
With less than six months left of the appeal year, the charity says there’s still a long way to go to reach the £2.85million Heli2 target.
‘Cornwall Air Ambulance is your charity, we’re here for you if you should ever need us,’ says Tim Bunting, Chief Executive.
‘And you can help us be there for more people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for years to come.’
‘Purchasing a second AW169 helicopter will massively improve the versatility and capability of our service, putting us at the forefront of advanced critical care. Your support will help us to save even more lives.’
The start of the year saw the charity announce a 10% rise in missions undertaken in 2023.
