Great Western Air Ambulance

Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) is a critical care provider that offers air ambulance services across the counties of Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, and parts of Wiltshire. The charity's primary mission is to provide advanced pre-hospital medical care to patients who are in urgent need, often in life-threatening conditions. GWAAC operates with a critical care team consisting of highly skilled paramedics and doctors who specialize in pre-hospital emergency medicine.

History

The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity was established to address the need for rapid response medical care in the Great Western region of England. Since its inception, GWAAC has grown significantly, both in terms of operational capacity and the scope of medical services it provides. The charity relies on donations, fundraising events, and volunteers to support its operations, as it does not receive direct government funding for its day-to-day running costs.

Operations

GWAAC's operations are centered around its air ambulance, a helicopter equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, allowing the critical care team to perform a variety of life-saving procedures on-site. The helicopter can reach patients in remote locations quickly, significantly reducing the time it takes to transport critically ill or injured patients to hospital. In addition to the air ambulance, GWAAC also operates critical care cars, which are used in situations where the helicopter cannot fly due to weather conditions or when it is more practical to reach the patient by road.

Critical Care Team

The critical care team at GWAAC includes specialist paramedics in critical care (SPCCs) and critical care doctors. These professionals have advanced training in pre-hospital emergency medicine, enabling them to provide a range of interventions at the scene of an incident. These interventions can include administering advanced pain relief, performing emergency surgical procedures, and providing critical care support during transport to the hospital.

Community and Education

GWAAC is also committed to educating the public and healthcare professionals about the importance of air ambulance services and the role of pre-hospital care in saving lives. The charity conducts various outreach programs, including school visits, community talks, and training sessions for medical professionals.

Funding and Support

As a charity, GWAAC relies heavily on community support and donations to fund its operations. The cost of maintaining the air ambulance service is significant, covering the expenses of the helicopter, medical equipment, and the critical care team's training. Fundraising events, charity shops, and individual donations are vital sources of income for the charity.

Challenges and Future Directions

One of the ongoing challenges for GWAAC is securing sustainable funding to ensure the continuity of its services. The charity continuously explores new fundraising initiatives and partnerships to support its mission. Additionally, GWAAC is committed to advancing pre-hospital care through innovation and training, aiming to improve patient outcomes in the region it serves.