Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity has revealed that it now needs to raise over £5 million a year to maintain its lifesaving services, as rising utility, fuel, and critical care costs continue to strain its finances.
In 2024, the charity responded to a record 1,343 incidents, with doctors on board for more than half of the callouts. Medical director Dr Maria Smith highlighted that ensuring the charity has the resources to deliver the best possible care remains their top priority.
The charity, originally serving Wiltshire since 1990, expanded in 2024 to become the official air ambulance service for Bath as well. Since 2019, critical care doctors have been part of the crew, performing high-level procedures, such as treating heart wounds, carrying out caesarean sections, and administering anaesthesia.
Chief executive David Philpott noted the soaring demand for the air ambulance service and the added pressure of providing enhanced clinical care, especially with doctors now attending most missions. Despite these challenges, the charity continues to receive strong support from the communities in Wiltshire and Bath, who have generously funded its work for 35 years.
