Marking 38 years of Cornwall Air Ambulance

Cornwall Air Ambulance is marking 38 years of service and saving lives across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Since launching on 1^st April 1987, becoming the UK’s very first air ambulance service, the charity has evolved into a highly advanced critical care service operating 19-hours-a-day, 365 days a year. Following extensive advancements within both aviation and the clinical operation over the last 38 years, our highly skilled crew carry out lifesaving interventions and bring enhanced pre-hospital emergency care to every patient who needs us.

Davey Shephard was one of those patients, when he was involved in a motorbike crash that left him with life-changing injuries.

After being treated on scene by the Cornwall Air Ambulance crew, Davey was airlifted to Derriford Hospital where he spent two weeks in a coma. As well as suffering from spinal injuries and broken arms, Davey had broken his coccyx, had blood clots on the lungs and had to have his right leg amputated below the knee.

He said: “If Cornwall Air Ambulance weren’t there I probably would have died. I think I was very lucky that they were there. Without them, I don’t think I’d be here. It’s a very important service in Cornwall, the helicopter can get to a lot of places that road vehicles probably can’t. I have a little girl, and I’m grateful that I’m still here to be a dad for her.”

Davey reunited with Critical Care Paramedics Pete and Paul at the airbase

Now four helicopter types and many milestones later, the charity looks forward to welcoming a second state-of-the-art AW169 helicopter to its Newquay airbase this summer.

The additional aircraft, which has been funded by the people of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and beyond will boost the charity’s resilience, capability and versatility. Having a second helicopter will allow the crew to attend more of their missions by air across their 19-hour-a-day, 365 day-a-year service, and ultimately save even more lives for years to come.

Tim Bunting, Chief Executive, said: “I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to every single person who has supported the charity over the last 38 years, it is thanks to you that we are at the forefront of our field today and at this landmark moment of bringing a second helicopter to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We are now in the very final stage of the Heli2 Appeal, with just the medical fit to fund before the additional AW169 can come to Cornwall and go into operation. We’re your charity, here for you if you should ever need us, and we’re incredibly grateful to have you as part of this mission with us.”      

You can help Cornwall Air Ambulance raise the final funds for the medical fit of your second lifesaving helicopter here: https://cornwallairambulancetrust.org/heli2-appeal/