Saving lives from the skies

Discovering first-hand the impact that Cornwall Air Ambulance makes to saving lives across the Duchy.

Since April 1st 1987 Cornwall Air Ambulance has proudly served the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, providing lifesaving critical care to seriously ill or injured patients.  Last year, one of those patients was three-year-old Mia Gander who suffered a sudden status epilepticus during a family holiday in Cornwall. Whilst in the family home, Mia began to have a seizure, having never had one before, and became unresponsive. Once she came around, Mia’s family decided to act quickly by getting her to the nearest medical facility. However, whilst en route in the car, Mia had another aggressive and prolonged seizure, which lasted 25 minutes. 

I don’t know what we would have done without them.

The Cornwall Air Ambulance helicopter and crew were dispatched to the family, with Pilot Rich Dixon, Doctor Mike Prosser and Critical Care Paramedics Jeremy Griffiths and Lisa Ball on board. After landing in a nearby field, they were able to give Mia initial treatment on the roadside, before the crew at the scene then airlifted her, alongside her mum Carissa, to Derriford Hospital for onward care, where she was diagnosed with epilepsy. 

Carissa says, “I believe that Cornwall Air Ambulance saved Mia’s life that day and I don’t know what we would have done without them. I don’t even like to think about what may have happened if they were not there – it scares me. I can never thank the crew enough who helped Mia.” Since the incident, Mia has started taking medication and has been seizure-free since last October. Mia, who had  previously been nonverbal, has now also started to speak her first words since commencing treatment. Carissa now generously supports the charity with a regular gift donation each month.   

In a county where rugged coastlines, expansive farmland and difficult-to-navigate roads are commonplace, the necessity of an ambulance helicopter service has always been clear. Founded in response to the pressing need for rapid medical care in Cornwall’s remote areas, Cornwall Air Ambulance’s vision has been 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 an unwavering commitment to saving lives. Today, the charity’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.

As a charity, Cornwall Air Ambulance relies on the generosity of donations and fundraisers to keep the helicopters in the air and the crew providing critical care across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Cornwall Air Ambulance’s annual Christmas Carol Concert will return to Truro Methodist Church on Tuesday 1st December. Be sure to save the date and stay tuned to the charity’s social media for more details.

As the UK’s first air ambulance service, in 2027 Cornwall Air Ambulance will mark 40 years of being there for someone’s tomorrow. So, whether it’s a donation or volunteering your time, every mission is powered by people like you and will help to keep the Cornwall Air Ambulance flying for decades to come.

www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org

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If you, or someone you know, has received care from Cornwall Air Ambulance during the last 40 years and you would like to share your story, please contact pr@cornwallairambulancetrust.org