Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) has reported a significant increase in call-outs and missions in the first half of 2024. According to the charity, their specialist crew responded to 1,159 individuals in urgent need of critical care between January 1st and June 30th, marking a 21% increase from the same time period in 2023.
The charity is on track for a record year, with an estimated 400 additional call-outs compared to the previous year. On average, GWAAC’s Critical Care Team is responding to one extra person every day in need of their expertise and life-saving services.
Tim Ross-Smith, GWAAC’s Operations Officer, expressed the urgency of their services, stating, “Nobody plans to need an air ambulance or Critical Care Team being called out to them, but we’re seeing more and more people who have needed our help.” He also noted the increasing operating costs for the charity, with the average cost per mission now at £2,200 – a 10% increase from previous years.
The charity has also shared their mission statistics for the first half of the year, highlighting a significant increase in call-outs to babies, children, and teenagers. These age groups accounted for 19% of GWAAC’s total missions, marking a 52% increase from the previous year. The crew also responded to almost double the number of babies, from 26 to 50.
In addition, GWAAC has seen a rise in calls for collapsed individuals and stabbing-related incidents. While these types of incidents make up a small percentage of their total missions, the number of calls has increased by 85% and 75%, respectively, from 2023.
The charity also noted that in the first six months of 2024, their crew utilized critical care cars for 7% more of their missions compared to the same period in 2023. This means that the crew is traveling to more than three-quarters of patients in a car rather than a helicopter.
To support their life-saving efforts, GWAAC is asking the public to consider making a regular donation. To learn more about their missions and how to donate, visit their website at www.gwaac.com.
This news story is distributed by Pressat on behalf of Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. For more information on how to support their cause, visit https://pressat.co.uk/.
