We’re celebrating our 25th BIRTHDAY!
We’ve been flying to save lives across the region since 1999, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of the dedicated people of the North West.
SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US
We’re looking for real stories of how the North West Air Ambulance Charity has made a difference in your life. Whether you’re a former patient, a family member of one, or a member of the public, we want to hear from you.
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1999
We began with just one aircraft, funded by the AA, flying five days a week from our base at Blackpool Airport. Three years later we moved to flying seven days a week.
2005 to 2006
Our fundraising expanded. We opened our first retail store in Southport and launched our Lift Off Lotto, which funds around 50% of all our missions.
2017
We introduced consultant-level doctors to the crew meaning we were able to deliver care previously only available in a hospital. As well as the doctors we introduced new kit to help deliver this care.
2018
The first critical care vehicle was launched which operated during daylight hours. This enabled our crews to attend incidents when the helicopter was offline due to weather or in built-up areas where it was difficult to land, such as City Centres.
2022
After a 6-month trial we launched our Night Car. Carrying the same kit as the helicopter, it’s manned by a critical care paramedic and doctor and is available on a Friday and Saturday 6pm – 2am.
2023
We registered over 500 volunteers, and we were awarded the prestigious Investors in Volunteers Accreditation, which shows we value and appreciate our volunteer community without whom we simply could not operate.
Last year we also delivered our 300th blood transfusion and responded to over 3,100 calls, the most we’ve ever responded to.
2009
Our second helicopter was brought online, flying from Barton. Now operating out of two points in the region, Lancashire and Greater Manchester, we were able to save more lives.
2013
A third helicopter joined the fleet, also based in Barton, providing even more coverage across the North West for patients.
2016
The charity had a rebrand and our three helicopters became yellow and blue. In this year we also reset our vision and purpose and began providing enhanced pre-hospital care.
2019
We launched Blood on Board, providing blood transfusions to patients at scene. We introduced a HEMS paramedic into the dispatch centre for 999 calls. They would monitor the calls to effectively dispatch the crew to the most critically ill and injured.
2021
We began to introduce Patient Aftercare Coordinators in all the Major Trauma Centres in the region. We performed our 100th blood transfusion and upskilled our paramedics to become Critical Care Paramedics, the first of their kind in the North West.
2024
It’s our 25th Birthday!
1999
We began with just one aircraft, funded by the AA, flying five days a week from our base at Blackpool Airport. Three years later we moved to flying seven days a week.
2005 to 2006
Our fundraising expanded. We opened our first retail store in Southport and launched our Lift Off Lotto, which funds around 50% of all our missions.
2009
Our second helicopter was brought online, flying from Barton. Now operating out of two points in the region, Lancashire and Greater Manchester, we were able to save more lives.
2013
A third helicopter joined the fleet, also based in Barton, providing even more coverage across the North West for patients.
2016
The charity had a rebrand and our three helicopters became yellow and blue. In this year we also reset our vision and purpose and began providing enhanced pre-hospital care.
2017
We introduced consultant-level doctors to the crew meaning we were able to deliver care previously only available in a hospital. As well as the doctors we introduced new kit to help deliver this care.
2018
The first critical care vehicle was launched which operated during daylight hours. This enabled our crews to attend incidents when the helicopter was offline due to weather or in built-up areas where it was difficult to land, such as City Centres.
2019
We launched Blood on Board, providing blood transfusions to patients at scene. We introduced a HEMS paramedic into the dispatch centre for 999 calls. They would monitor the calls to effectively dispatch the crew to the most critically ill and injured.
2021
We began to introduce Patient Aftercare Coordinators in all the Major Trauma Centres in the region. We performed our 100th blood transfusion and upskilled our paramedics to become Critical Care Paramedics, the first of their kind in the North West.
2022
After a 6-month trial we launched our Night Car. Carrying the same kit as the helicopter, it’s manned by a critical care paramedic and doctor and is available on a Friday and Saturday 6pm – 2am.
2023
We registered over 500 volunteers, and we were awarded the prestigious Investors in Volunteers Accreditation, which shows we value and appreciate our volunteer community without whom we simply could not operate.
Last year we also delivered our 300th blood transfusion and responded to over 3,100 calls, the most we’ve ever responded to.
2024
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
We are not able to fly without your generosity and are completely reliant on your donations. Be there for us today, so we can be there for you tomorrow.
