The demand for urgent emergency care from the skies has hit new heights in 2025. The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) has already responded to a staggering 1,181 critical incidents across Bristol, Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, and parts of Wiltshire between January and June. This surpasses last year’s record-breaking call-outs, highlighting the growing need for their expert care.
Tim Ross-Smith, GWAAC’s operations officer, emphasizes the human side behind the numbers: “These aren’t just statistics—each mission represents people facing their worst moments, with families deeply affected. Our crew often serves as a last lifeline. The specialized skills and equipment they bring directly impact survival and recovery, keeping families together. None of this would be possible without your support.”
With an average of more than six daily emergency responses, GWAAC’s critical care team—consisting of highly trained doctors, advanced clinical practitioners, and specialist paramedics—provides the equivalent of an emergency department at the scene. Each mission costs around £2,200.
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While GWAAC is best known for its distinctive lime green and blue helicopter, three-quarters of missions to date have been conducted using their critical care cars, which carry the same expert medical team and equipment.
The most common emergencies involve cardiac arrests (22%) and road traffic collisions (15%), with Bristol and Gloucestershire accounting for 60% of call-outs.
Operating entirely without government funds, GWAAC depends on public generosity to sustain its vital work. Supporters can contribute by participating in the Summer Raffle, with tickets costing just £1 for a chance to win £2,500 and other cash prizes, available at raffle.gwaac.com and charity shops.
Additionally, the popular Heli Laughs comedy night returns for its fifth year on Monday, July 21, at Bristol Old Vic. Headlined by Angela Barnes and hosted by Bristol’s Stuart Goldsmith, with performers Laura Lexx, Celya AB, Jordan Brookes, Jin Hao Li, and Dani Johns, tickets start at £20 and can be bought via gwaac.com/comedy.
Every donation and ticket purchased is a direct investment in saving lives—help GWAAC continue its mission to provide critical emergency care across the region.