Saving lives in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly
We provide critical care to seriously sick and injured people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Responding to over 1,000 missions annually, our crew is here at a critical time when every second matters. Operating with no direct government support towards running costs, we rely on the generosity of people like you to keep us flying 365 days a year.
Taking to the skies in 1987, Cornwall Air Ambulance was the very first air ambulance in the UK. We have since completed more than 32,000 missions, with that number increasing every day. Given the county’s isolated beaches, rural settlements and challenging road networks, our service is vital to the residents that live here and the tourists that visit Cornwall.
United in lifesaving
Cornwall’s Air Ambulance service extends beyond the vital critical care that our crew provides. From charity shops to events, our team all play a pivotal role in generating the funding and awareness needed to keep your crew operating.
Your generosity keeps us flying
We need to raise over £7 million each year in charitable income and receive no government funding. It’s only because of the generosity of our amazing supporters that our crew can continue to make a lifesaving difference – each and every day.
The challenges we overcome
The same things that make our county beautiful also make it treacherous. Wild coastlines, narrow rural settlements and unpredictable terrain all create unique challenges for our pilots & critical care paramedics. Just as Cornwall’s spirit is unyielding, so is our commitment. Together, we overcome obstacles to bring swift and essential care to those who need it most.
Furthermore, reaching the Isles of Scilly swiftly is paramount. With travel limitations, our helicopter acts as a lifeline. Every minute counts, and we’re here to bridge the distance in emergencies.
We’re also always here for the visitors to the county who keep our vibrant tourism industries alive. Around five million people visit Cornwall every year to enjoy our beautiful coastlines & panoramic countryside. One in five of our patients are visitors to the county; families and individuals who never expect to need to use the emergency services.
Kindness, Respect, Integrity, Progressive, Teamwork
At Cornwall Air Ambulance, our mission is clear and unwavering: to provide life saving critical care. We are the lifeline for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, ensuring that the most seriously ill and injured individuals receive the urgent medical attention they both need and deserve.
Under our mission to provide the very best care are a set of values that we are committed to:
Kindness – showing compassion, empathy, and consideration towards others, fostering a positive and supportive environment.
Respect – recognising the worth and value of others, embracing diversity and treating everyone with dignity.
Integrity – standing true to moral principles, being honest and acting with consistency and transparency.
Progressive – embracing innovation, challenging the status quo, and continuously evolving for a better future.
Teamwork – working together towards a common goal, combining individual strengths for collective success.
Our iconic red AW169 helicopter
Cornwall Air Ambulance are proud to own this state-of-the-art AW169 helicopter, a true mobile, futuristic A&E for the skies.
This next generation of helicopters is faster, more powerful and capable of reaching even more people in their hour of need. On average it takes just 12 minutes from an initial 999 call to Cornwall Air Ambulance landing at the scene of somebody in critical need of urgent care. Click below to learn more about the beloved red helicopter that your support & donations made possible.
Track the missions your donations fund
Mission Log
Check out the impact of your donations in different areas across Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly.
Lives Saved
Learn more aobut that real lives saved as a result of the Cornwall Air Ambulance.
Spreading awareness & inspiring change
Our Ambassadors, with their love for Cornwall, shine a light on our work. They share our commitment to lifesaving, illuminating our impact and growing our community. We’re privileged to have had the support of HM Queen Consort as our Patron since 2011. Her unwavering support amplifies our fundraising efforts, furthering our lifesaving mission.
FAQs
Have questions about Cornwall Air Ambulance and our lifesaving mission? Find answers here to common inquiries about our operations, impact, and how you can get involved.
Supporting you
At Cornwall Air Ambulance, our commitment extends beyond immediate medical care. We understand the emotional and practical challenges faced by patients and their families during critical times.
Donate today
See how you can make a difference:
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