WALES Air Ambulance has thanked the public for the support which has allowed it to attend thousands of emergencies over the last year.

In 2021 the charity, which has its mid Wales base at Welshpool Airport, received 3,544 calls over the course of the year.

It was also a notable year for Wales Air Ambulance as it marked the charity’s 20th anniversary, having been founded in 2001.

Over its 20 year history, the charity has carried out a total of 41,000 missions.

Wales Air Ambulance in numbers

  • 1,870 of the calls attended last year were by air
  • While the remaining 1,674 incidents were attended by one of its Rapid Response Vehicles
  • 1,540 were medical-related incidents
  • 2,004 incidents were linked to trauma
  • 372 patients treated were 17 years old or younger

Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance Chief Executive, said: “The support that our Charity receives is incredible. From everyone who raises money for us, to our army of volunteers – they are all lifesavers.

“I would also like to thank our Trustees, Charity colleagues, partners, medics and pilots for their passion, determination and dedication to the people of our country, and our focus on serving Wales and saving lives. On 3,544 occasions last year we were able to attend life or limb-threatening emergencies and that was only possible thanks to everybody I have mentioned. Thank you so much.”

Wales Air Ambulance has been described as a “flying ED”, capable of delivering blood transfusions, administering anastasia, undertaking emergency operations at the scene of an incident before flying the patient directly to specialist care.

Now operational 24/7, the Charity needs to raise £8 million every year to keep the helicopters in the air and their Rapid Response Vehicles on the road.

Professor David Lockey, EMRTS Cymru National Director, said: “Last year was a challenge for everyone as COVID-19 continued to impact on our service and our people. Nevertheless, despite those challenges, we were able to continue our lifesaving work, as we have done throughout the pandemic.

“The reason for this is the commitment shown by everyone connected to the service and the people of Wales, for which I cannot thank you all enough.”