North West Air Ambulance Charity called out to record number of missions in 2023

The North West Air Ambulance Charity had its busiest year to date in 2023, being called out to 3,100 missions - a new yearly record, and 300 more callouts than in the previous year.

In Greater Manchester, the charity was called to 1,148 incidents between 1January and 31 December.

The lifesaving charity provides enhanced pre-hospital care to the most critically ill and injured patients across the five-county region, an area covering 5,500 square miles.

It is funded by public donations, it is not part of the NHS and does not receive any government funding.

The charity’s confirmed figures showed cardiac arrest and medical incidents accounted for over 950 callouts for the year, with road traffic collisions at 780 and accidental injuries at 680.

Andy Duncan, Lead Paramedic said: “Our crew make a lifesaving difference to those who need us most.

“The critically ill patients we treat are at the heart of everything we do, including every decision we make as a charity.

“Thanks to the generosity of our supporters more patients than ever before have received enhanced pre-hospital care from our dedicated and highly skilled crew.”

The Charity launched in 1999 with one helicopter and now operates with three helicopters and four critical care vehicles. Two helicopters are based at Barton Airbase in Manchester, and the third is based at Blackpool Airbase.

Since the beginning of 2023, the North West Air Ambulance Charity has also become operational for 12 hours a day, whilst their ‘Night-car’ service operates on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 pm to 2 am.

Since the increase in operating hours in 2023, across both the helicopters and critical care vehicles, the charity has seen a significant increase in mission callouts, with over 900 on the vehicles alone.

David Briggs, Director of Operations said: “Each year the number of missions we attend increases and 2023 was our busiest year yet.

“We remain ever grateful to our amazing supporters; without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue saving lives across the North West.

“The charity is solely funded by public donations; we receive no government funding and are not part of the NHS.”

2024 is an important year for the North West Air Ambulance Charity as it is celebrating its 25th birthday. To find out more information about the charity and how you can support them, head to nwairambulance.org.uk