Cornwall Living
A legacy of saving lives
Cornwall Air Ambulance has changed emergency care for Cornwall forever; we look back over its 40-year history.
Four decades ago, something remarkable began in Cornwall. On 1st April 1987, a helicopter lifted off on a mission that would help change emergency care in the UK forever. It marked the beginning of Cornwall Air Ambulance the UK’s very first air ambulance service. Founded in response to the pressing need for rapid medical care in Cornwall’s remote areas, the vision was clear: to bridge the gap between medical emergencies and timely assistance.
From the first BO 105 helicopter that took flight in 1987 to the current advanced AW169, every advancement has been driven by Cornwall Air Ambulance’s unwavering commitment to saving lives. Four decades later, air ambulances have become a vital part of emergency care across the country. Today, Cornwall Air Ambulance’s two AW169 helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, serving as an airborne A&E unit capable of delivering advanced care to patients in need.
Owning two of these technologically advanced HEMS aircraft boosts the charity’s resilience, capability and versatility, enabling it to attend more missions by air across its 19-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year service.
In 2027, Cornwall Air Ambulance will celebrate its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of lifesaving missions and the thousands of patients and families whose lives have been touched by the charity. A very special year of celebrations is planned, bringing the charity’s remarkable history to life through powerful patient stories, memorable events and some unique moments that will reconnect the Cornwall Air Ambulance of 1987 with the lifesaving service of today.
Tim Bunting, Chief Executive of Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: “Cornwall should be incredibly proud that the UK air ambulance story started here. The courage and vision shown in 1987 created something that has gone on to transform emergency care across the country. Our 40th anniversary will celebrate everyone who has been part of that journey, while looking ahead with ambition to the next 40 years of saving lives.”
