More lives to be saved by Cornwall Air Ambulance with launch of new weather station

More lives are set to be saved by Cornwall Air Ambulance as a new weather station is launched in Bude.

The new site, which has been kindly funded by Charity Ambassador Dr Karen J Dickens, will assist in accurate reporting of local conditions, making it easier than ever to determine whether the helicopter can fly to incidents in the north coast area.

Previously, Pilots relied on information from weather stations located in Newquay, Penzance and the Isles of Scilly to gauge weather conditions in North Cornwall, which wasn’t always accurate enough to permit a safe launch.

Undoubtedly, the new site will provide valuable data where dramatic differences in weather conditions are often seen at opposite ends of the county.

Karen said: “The Cornish people did an amazing job of raising the funds to buy the new helicopter and continue to do so to keep the Critical Care Paramedics in the air.

“So, it is only right that the charity Pilots have access to the best and most up-to-date information too.”

The new station won’t just support Cornwall Air Ambulance missions, but will also help other emergency services in the county, too.

Karen added: “The Critical Care Paramedics and Pilots do an incredible job every day, and I am glad that I can support them in their lifesaving missions with my personal donations and fundraising activities, along with those of my company, Comitti Boats UK & Caribbean.”

Following the launch of the station, Richard Dixon, Pilot for Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: “The weather in Cornwall is extremely changeable and yet there are limited weather stations throughout the county. The new station in Bude will help us make important decisions on when to operate the helicopter.”

Bude Stratton Town Council were also critical in the success of the project, donating the land for free and offering support along the way. It is with huge thanks to the members involved, and Karen’s generous donation, that has seen the project come to fruition.

Where the helicopter can’t fly in certain conditions, the charity’s Rapid Response Vehicles are always available to use, offering emergency support to the people of Cornwall during their most desperate times of need – no matter the weather.