The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) and Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA), operated by UK aeromedical charity The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS), have marked a significant year in 2024, responding to a combined total of 3,779 potentially lifesaving missions across their five counties and beyond.

Despite ongoing economic challenges, the charity has remained unwavering in its commitment to providing vital pre-hospital care, with both helicopters and critical care cars deployed in urgent, life-threatening situations. The year's operations reflect a continued high demand for services, with DLRAA responding to 2,046 missions and WNAA attending 1,733.

The highest number of callouts were recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland, which saw 837 missions, followed by Derbyshire with 625 callouts, Warwickshire with 465 and Northamptonshire with 457. A further 551 incidents were responded to across the West Midlands, 565 across Nottinghamshire and 107 in Lincolnshire. Many more incidents were attended to in neighbouring counties as part of essential 'mutual aid' collaborations with other emergency services.

As in previous years, the largest category of incidents attended were medical emergencies, which accounted for 36 per cent of missions. The 'other' category, which includes incidents such as assaults, self-harm and mental health-related callouts, was second at 26 per cent. Road traffic collisions made up 24 per cent, with falls (nine per cent), sports injuries (three per cent) and industrial accidents (two per cent) also forming key parts of the mission categories.

“This year has been another one of remarkable achievement for The Air Ambulance Service,” says Chris Bailey, associate director of operations. “Our teams have gone above and beyond in responding to the high number of callouts, and the support we continue to receive from our local communities, partners and donors has been crucial in making that possible.

“We're incredibly proud of the impact we've had in 2024. Our amazing doctor, paramedic and pilot teams have been involved in missions requiring complex clinical interventions, as well as providing lifesaving care in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. As a charity, we remain focused on the future, committed to continuing to improve the services we provide and ensuring we're always there when people need us the most,” Bailey added.

A notable achievement last year was the historic milestone of TAAS' first-ever all-female crew for a mission, which included a doctor, critical care paramedic and pilot. This landmark event highlighted the diverse and talented individuals behind the lifesaving service and marked an exciting step in the charity's ongoing journey.

2024 was also a year of innovation and excellence. The clinical 'Blood on Board' poster won recognition at the East Midlands Trauma Conference, and the charity's research was presented at several major conferences across the country, all in support of improving pre-hospital care.

The WNAA also received an 'Outstanding' Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating, further validating the hard work, dedication and exceptional care provided by the crews.

Other highlights from the year include the launch of leading-edge surgical skills training days, recognition at the AAUK Conference & Awards, where the charity was shortlisted for four prestigious awards, and a special recognition of the Clinical Liaison Officer for Excellence in the Community.

Chris Bailey concludes: “As we continue to enhance and improve our services in all areas, we remain resolute in our mission to deliver the highest standard of critical care and maintain the outstanding levels of recognised care we provide. This year, like every year, our teams will be out there, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, saving lives and offering support to those who need it most. However, to continue providing this vital service, we still need the support of our loyal supporters. Each mission costs £2,300, and it is through the public's generosity that we can continue saving lives. We are incredibly proud of the work we do, and we thank our supporters for enabling us to keep our service running.”

In other aeromedical news, The Children's Air Ambulance (TCAA), operated by UK aeromedical charity The Air Ambulance Service, has announced another exceptionally busy year in 2024, transferring 200 critically ill babies and children across the UK, ensuring they receive the specialist care they urgently need. This marks the second consecutive year the charity has completed 200 missions, the highest number of missions in its history, highlighting the continued demand for its pioneering and vital service.

As a national service, TCAA is transforming paediatric and neonatal care by providing high-speed transfers for babies and children in need of care. With each flight designed as a flying intensive care unit, the charity is able to transfer young patients to specialist hospitals that are better equipped to provide the level of care they require.

In 2024, the TCAA team flew a total of 297 hours and 11 minutes, saving precious time when it mattered most. The service worked in partnership with 11 clinical partner teams, ensuring that each transfer was seamless and provided the best care for the young patients.

A key milestone last year was the successful use of bespoke incubator systems in 75 transfers. Since launching these incubators in December 2022, they have made a profound difference in improving neonatal care, enabling TCAA to safely transport the most vulnerable babies to where they need to be.

Last year also saw a significant achievement with the 400th mission milestone of carrying a parent on board, a touching reminder of how the charity values the vital bond between families and their children, especially during challenging times. And the good news didn't stop there. In 2024, the charity proudly reached its 1,000th mission, a momentous achievement that further underscores its pivotal role in paediatric and neonatal care nationally.

“The 1,000th mission is a significant milestone for the Children's Air Ambulance,” states Chris Bailey, associate director of operations at the charity. “It demonstrates the trust placed in us by families and our clinical partner teams across the country and reinforces the essential service we provide, day in and day out. We are continually exploring ways to enhance our services and increase our support to the NHS and the clinical teams we work alongside to ensure we are there when families need us most.”

In addition to this milestone, 2024 saw the launch of extended flying hours from 08:00 to 22:00, enabling the service to be even more accessible to families, offering more opportunities for time-saving transfers and representing another huge operational achievement.

The charity also made significant progress in strengthening its partnerships across the NHS by visiting all 11 clinical partner teams, ensuring the highest standards of care during every mission and optimising the logistics of patient transfers. Furthermore, the next phase of modifications to TCAA's two Leonardo AW169 helicopters continue to enhance its operational capabilities, ensuring that each flight meets the complex needs of critically ill children and babies.

TCAA's continued success would not be possible without the generosity of its supporters, donors and volunteers. Each mission costs £3,600, and it is only through the incredible support of those who believe in the charity's vital work that the service can continue to operate.

Chris Bailey added: “Every year, we are amazed by the unwavering and passionate support from our donors, volunteers and supporters who enable us to continue this vital work. We couldn't be there for families without their help, and we are incredibly grateful for the generosity that allows us to provide this essential service.”

The charity remains focused on its mission to continue keeping hope alive for young patients and their families. With ongoing developments and collaborations in the pipeline, TCAA is excited to continue making a significant impact in 2025 and beyond.