Cornwall Air Ambulance expects demand to rise further
Figures just released from Cornwall Air Ambulance show it’s been tasked with 525 missions in the first six months of 2024.
The numbers include more than 200 trauma cases, 162 medical related incidents, 141 cardiac arrests with 10 transfers carried out between hospitals.
It comes after the charity reported its busiest May on record. There were 117 call outs during the course of the month (a rise of almost 20% compared to the same time last year).
There was a rise of nearly 30% in June which saw more than 100 missions for the charity – compared to 82 flights during the same month last year.
It’s now expecting demand to continue to rise as the county is yet to see the busiest months of summer.
‘We know that the summer period is always our busiest time of year, and we’re expecting our mission numbers to rise further as the population of our county increases,’ says Adam Smith, Unit Chief Pilot.
‘This puts extreme demand on our helicopter. More flying hours means more wear-and-tear and more maintenance.’
‘Owning a second AW169 aircraft will ensure that when online, our crew will always be able respond on the most capable helicopter, even during those times of planned or unplanned maintenance, we will have a state-of-the-art aircraft ready and available.’
‘That will make a huge difference to our operation, boosting the resilience and availability of our service.’
Charity appeal for second helicopter
The Heli2 Appeal, which is aiming to secure a second helicopter by the end of the year. The team is just over one third of the way towards its’ target of raising £2.85 million.
‘We are incredibly grateful to every single person who donates to the charity, whether that be through a cake sale, a skydive, through our lottery or to putting your spare change in the pot at your local petrol station, every penny really does make a lifesaving difference,’ says Tim Bunting, Cornwall Air Ambulance’s Chief Executive.
‘We’re calling on the people of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and beyond to help us land your second helicopter.’
‘We want to ensure that we can always respond to you, your friends, family or loved ones, on the best suited helicopter, should they ever need us. Thank you for your support.’
The start of the year saw the charity report a 10% rise in missions in 2023.
