THE AIR ambulance was called to 1,159 incidents across the region last year highlighting the vital role it continues to play in delivering critical care.

From its airbase in Semington, the helicopter and critical care cars responded to an average of three incidents every day, delivering advanced medical care when every second counted.

The helicopter can reach anywhere in Wiltshire and Bath within just 11 minutes.

Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance charity chief executive Barbara Gray said: “Behind every number is a real person – someone’s loved one.

“These figures show just how vital our work is, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team. We’re so grateful to everyone who supports us and helps keep this lifesaving service running.”

Crews responded to emergencies across the region, with particularly high numbers of missions in Swindon where the crew attended 188 incidents.

Both Bath and Chippenham saw 97 missions each, followed by Salisbury and surrounding areas such as Amesbury, Tidworth and Tisbury with 83, and Trowbridge with 82.

The critical care team also responded to 56 incidents in Devizes, 49 in Warminster and Mere, and 45 in Melksham.

The data reveals that critical care doctors were on board for 61% of missions attended, enabling the crew to deliver enhanced clinical interventions at the scene.

These include complex procedures such as advanced pain management, anaesthesia and emergency surgery.

Over the past year, the crew transferred 333 patients to several major hospitals across the region, ensuring they received the urgent care they needed.

The three most frequent destinations were Royal United Hospital in Bath with 99 patients, followed by Southmead Hospital in Bristol with 93, and Great Western Hospital in Swindon with 43 patients transferred.

With no direct government funding, the charity relies on donations from residents and businesses to continue flying and saving lives.