A legacy of saving lives
We first took flight in 1987, becoming the UK’s very first air ambulance service – something we’re so proud of.
Founded in response to the pressing need for rapid medical care in Cornwall’s remote areas, our vision was clear: to bridge the gap between medical emergencies and timely assistance.
Even in our infancy, our helicopter became a beacon of hope, cutting through the skies to reach patients in critical need. Our commitment to the communities we serve led to rapid growth and recognition. In a county where rugged coastlines, expansive farmland and difficult-to-navigate roads are commonplace, the necessity of our service has always been clear.
The UK's first air ambulance
In the 35+ years we’ve been operating, our life-preserving goal has remained the same. However, the ways in which we achieve our goal have developed dramatically. As Cornwall’s challenges evolved, so did we.
From the first Bo 105 helicopter that took flight in 1987 to our current advanced AW169, every advancement has been driven by our unwavering commitment to saving lives. Today, our AW169 helicopter is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology; serving as an airborne A&E unit capable of delivering advanced care to patients in need.
Being the first UK air ambulance service isn’t just a title; it’s a legacy that propels us forward with great determination.
What helicopters have Cornwall Air Ambulance used?
Embark on a journey through the remarkable history of our helicopters, each flight echoing our dedication to providing swift and critical care to Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly.
1987: Messerschmitt Bölkow-Blohm BO 105
Our first ever helicopter was capable of reaching almost all parts of Cornwall within 20 minutes and the Isles of Scilly in 28 minutes. At the time, the helicopter carried better first aid equipment than most road ambulances, with the added benefit of being able to reach incidents in a fraction of the time. Even in 1987, the sponsors & crew of the coverted German-built helicopter knew that Cornwall Air Ambulance was the start of something that would shape the lives of countless people.
Photo by Talskiddy at English Wikipedia
2001: Eurocopter EC135
The next evolution of Cornwall Air Ambulance was into a helicopter that is still commonly used by many air ambulance services to this day. The Eurocopter EC135 was capable of flying at up to 160 miles per hour (or roughly 140 knots) which is slightly less than what our current helicopter is capable of. This helicopter gave us 13 years of service until we transitioned to the next stage of our critical care history.
Photo by James from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
2014: MD Helicopters MD 902
We contracted two helicopters in 2014, capable of undertaking HEMS operations during the night. Doubling our number of helicopters enabled us to have a backup craft in situations where one of our helicopters was undergoing maintenance or otherwise unavailable. The transition to this helicopter also ushered in another milestone for our charity: operating for 12 hours a day. The advancement in helicopter was accompanied by advancements in the equipment we were using, further improving our capacity to save lives across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
2020: Leonardo AW169
Now we arrive at the present day. Thanks to the support of our community’s donations, our sponsors & additional grants, we succeeded in our ‘New Heli Appeal’. This landmark event saw us purchasing our current AW169 helicopter enabled us to increase the range that we could travel before needing to refuel. Our beloved AW169 has also fundamentally evolved the treatments that we are able to provide, the equipment & supplies that we can carry and the speed at which we can travel.
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