GWAAC 2022 Impact Report

Our Impact A Year in Review: 2022

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We are Great Western Air Ambulance Charity Our vision is that everyone receives the lifesaving pre-hospital emergency care they need, wherever they are, whenever they need it.

Our mission is to deliver cutting-edge pre-hospital care to everyone who needs us.

What we do When someone has a life-threatening illness or injury, time is of the essence. They need expert help fast. This is where we come in.

Our crew of Critical Care Doctors, Advanced Practitioners, Specialist Paramedics and Pilots can be anywhere in our region in just 20 minutes. They bring lifesaving medical and surgical skills straight to the patient. The crew can perform interventions at the scene of an incident that would usually only be done in a hospital Emergency Department, bringing the care forward to where it’s needed the most.

Our values: We put people first We behave in an ethical manner We strive to decrease our environmental impact We reflect on our performance and learn from others We are inclusive and welcoming We are grateful for the support we receive

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Welcome We hope you enjoy reading about the impact we had locally, nationally and internationally in 2022. We achieved many wonderful things and have set the wheels in motion for greater success in the future.

We’re particularly proud of our dedicated crew. They continued to save lives, share their knowledge and push the boundaries of what is possible in pre-hospital emergency medicine. It’s a team effort, and our charity staff worked hard to raise the money needed to get us to as many people as possible on their worst day. They pushed forward initiatives to save more lives and worked alongside medical volunteers to improve the chain of survival for people who suffer an outof-hospital cardiac arrest.

As you read about the patients we helped, the partnerships we made and how we improved in 2022, we hope it becomes clear how humbled we are by the support of the communities we serve.

We wish we could do more. This is our promise to you: with your continued support we will strive to be there for everyone who needs us.

Anna Perry CEO

Martyn Drake Chair of Trustees

Dr Ed Valentine Medical Director

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Our 2022 mission stats

1,808

30% Helicopter: 540

Number of call-outs

Medical emergencies 933 | 52%

Cardiac arrest 506 | 28% Collapse 112 | 6% Neurological / Fitting 106 | 6% Other medical 209 | 12%

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70% Critical care car: 1,268

Response by air and road

Trauma incidents 875 | 48% Road traffic collision 330 | 18% Fall 209 | 12% Stabbing / Shooting 76 | 4% Burns 22 | 1% Drowning 11 | <1% Other trauma 227 | 13%

We were called to around five people a day on average, some days it was many more

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Each mission costs roughly

£2,000 on average

81% of hospital landings were

at Major Trauma Centres rather than General or Trauma Unit Hospitals

162 patients were given a

pre-hospital emergency anaesthetic

235 babies, children and teenagers needed our help

41 patients were given

emergency blood transfusions

12 call-outs

on our busiest day (25 April)

291 hours flown

by helicopter

SAT

Busiest day of the week

7 agricultural incidents 20 equestrian incidents 47 bicycle incidents 69 motorcycle incidents

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The areas we were called to Gloucestershire Missions 536 % of total missions 30% Helicopter 47% Car 53% South Gloucestershire Missions 273 % of total missions 15% Helicopter 10% Car 90% Bristol Missions 525 % of total missions 29% Helicopter 11% Car 89% North Somerset Missions 211 % of total missions 12% Helicopter 32% Car 68% Bath & North East Somerset Missions 94 % of total missions 5% Helicopter 46% Car 54% Wiltshire Missions 73 % of total missions 4% Helicopter 58% Car 42% Other Missions 96 % of total missions 5% Helicopter 54% Car 46%

In 2022, we were called to Gloucestershire more times than any other area 6

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It’s only possible because of you The invaluable generosity and support that communities give to GWAAC as their local air ambulance charity continues to amaze and inspire us.

Individuals, organisations, trusts, foundations, councils and more went above and beyond to keep our specialist crew responding to those in urgent medical need.

On behalf of all of us at GWAAC, thank you for giving so much in 2022.

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers Our magnificent volunteers gave their time and energy in so many ways, enabling GWAAC to achieve more than we ever could without them.

• Over 8,300 hours donated by 183 volunteers • Dedicated volunteer teams worked across four shops • 75 Great Western Heartstarters taught 7,474 people CPR, defibrillation and emergency first aid • Nine volunteers delivered 94 informative talks to community groups and businesses • Five volunteers emptied 360 collection tins, bringing in £33,548

Our second Volunteer Conference Volunteers from across the region attended our second Volunteer Conference which was hailed a triumph by attendees.

Over 30 volunteers listened to informative talks from three of our Specialist Paramedics, including GWAAC’s Air Operations Officer, and a Critical Care Doctor.

They learnt about the training and assessments required to become a Specialist Paramedic, the crew’s advanced skills and equipment and how the team stay psychologically safe given their frequent exposure to traumatic scenes.

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add another picbusinesses Thank you to individuals, groups and A variety of community groups, businesses and individuals played a part in ensuring GWAAC could give people their best chance on their worst day.

Almondsbury Horse Show AMD Solicitors Bevan Brittan Bleadon WI Bristol International Balloon Fiesta Captain Paul Frost and everyone at Henbury Golf Club Clifton Diocese Cruise to the Prom – Vee Dub Family DLG Auto Services E G Carter & Co Ltd Evans Jones Frampton Country Fair Gloucester Quays Rotary Club Good Afternoon Choir, Yate and Chipping Sodbury HeartSafe Linney Longhope Motor Services Mendip Spring Golf Club Nailsea Bowls Club

NFU Mutual Bath NFU Mutual Cinderford North Gloucestershire Football League Royal Forest of Dean Rotary Club Running Somewhere Else Running Club S A Partners Saltford Golf Club Ladies Section Southmead Hospital Haematology & Transfusion Lab Spirax Sarco Stagecoach West Stirling Dynamics Team Velocity Tetbury Bingo Buddies and Boot Sales The MDT The Rising Sun, Woolaston Thornbury and District League of Friends Tufthorn Inn, Coleford Winscombe Lodge No 6474 Yeo Valley Lions Club

Thank you to trusts and foundations We are hugely appreciative to all trusts and foundations who supported our work in 2022. Funding enabled us to purchase equipment, uniforms and specialist training, as well as progress other important projects.

Special thanks to the following who awarded GWAAC substantial grants in 2022 and to those whose support has been ongoing for a number of years.

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Beacon Owl Trust Bristol Masons’ Charity The Carr-Gregory Trust County Air Ambulance HELP Appeal The Dixie Rose Findlay Charitable Trust The Dulverton Trust The Fieldrose Charitable Trust The G C Gibson Charitable Trust George Bairstow Charitable Trust The Grace Trust The Green Hall Foundation The Hospital Saturday Fund James Tudor Foundation John James Bristol Foundation Langdale Trust The Notgrove Trust

Randal Charitable Foundation The Rank Foundation Rowlands Trust Schroder Charity Trust The Sperring Charity Thatchers Foundation The Thompson Charitable Trust

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Thank you to local councils Fantastic support from these town and parish councils helped GWAAC be there for their local communities.

Thank you to the South Gloucestershire councillors who generously awarded us Member Allocated Funding.

Backwell Parish Council Bibury Parish Council Chalford Parish Council Churchdown Parish Council Clevedon Town Council Dursley Town Council Harescombe Parish Council Keynsham Town Council Portishead Town Council Sapperton Parish Council Westerleigh Parish Council Weston-super-Mare Town Council Winscombe & Sandford Parish Council Wotton-under-Edge Town Council Wrington Parish Council

Christine Price Paul Hughes Judy Adams Robert Griffin Brian Allinson John O`Neill June Bamford Brenda Langley Jason Pearce Sanjay Shambhu Jayne Stansfield Maggie Tyrrell

Shirley Holloway Toby Savage Ernest Brown Roger Avenin Sarah Pomfret Nicholas Labuschagne James Griffiths Liz Brennan James Arrowsmith Patricia Trull Keith Cranney

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We strengthened the chain of survival

Our crew brought early advanced life support to over 500 people suffering a cardiac arrest in 2022.

For those who receive CPR and defibrillation while we are on our way, the chance of survival is hugely increased. We gave our communities the knowledge and resource needed to help in cases like this.

We launched our community defibrillator project In June, we launched our Public Access Defibrillator programme to equip local communities with the resources to respond to someone in cardiac arrest using a defibrillator.

We stated our ambition: for anyone who suffers a cardiac arrest to receive immediate CPR and defibrillation within five minutes, to reduce avoidable deaths in our communities.

We partnered with HeartSafe to produce an all-in-one lifesaving defib package to enable anyone to fundraise for and install a defib. In the first seven months, 19 new defibrillators were placed in the communities we serve.

Sam’s story 24 year old Sam Polledri passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest while on an evening out with his friends in central Bristol in February 2022.

rates jump from 6% to up to 74%.

There were no wall-mounted and registered defibrillators near Sam so he wasn’t given the chance to survive.”

There were five defibrillators in the area but none of them were accessible to the public. Sam’s death was a tragedy that could have been avoided.

GWAAC’s Critical Care Team rushed to Sam that night, and worked hard to try and save him. Following his death, Sam’s family launched the Sam Polledri Foundation, which funded the placement of four GWAAC branded public access defibrillators across Bristol in 2022.

Sam’s mum, Louise said: “If a defibrillator is used within 3-5 minutes of cardiac arrest, survival Thank you to the following for hosting a defib: Balmer Knightcott Estates Bishop Sutton Tennis Club Bristol Downs Café – Funded through the Sam Polledri Foundation and kindly supported by Try Tag Rugby Bristol and the Downs Café Bristol St Andrews Bowling Club Cheltenham Good Samaritans

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Codrington Arms - Supported by Iron Acton Parish Council and kindly funded by Newland Homes

Cotham Rugby Club – Funded through the Sam Polledri Foundation and kindly supported by Cotham Park Rugby Club David Thorne, Wine Street – Thorne Holdings Ltd, supporting the Sam Polledri Foundation Deyabrewing GWAAC’S Cheltenham Shop – Kindly funded by Spirax Sarco Haywood Airfield Leisure Enterprise Lamplighters pub – Paula and team

Locking Parish Council Millennium Square – Funded through the Sam Polledri Foundation and kindly supported by We The Curious Mount of Olives Church, Coleford Red Boat Consulting Salt & Malt, Chew Valley Walnut Grove Clinic Walnut Grove Studio

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A record number of people were taught CPR, defibrillation and first aid.

2022 was a record-breaking year for our Great Western Heartstarters (GWHS) initiative, with volunteers teaching basic life support skills to schoolchildren and the public. A dedicated coordinator, generously funded by The Rank Foundation, helped achieve a 50% increase in the total number of people taught in one year compared with the previous six years combined.

GWAAC Critical Care Doctor, Dr Matt Thomas said: “Everyone should know basic CPR skills, and our team are passionate about helping people to acquire these skills and giving them the confidence to use them.”

We invested in GWHS’s future, purchasing a new car to transport equipment and developing new resources for training and education.

Teaching National Football League side, Bath City FC squad Bath City FC wants all players to know how to respond if someone suffers a cardiac arrest on a football pitch. GWHS volunteers taught CPR and defib training to their first team and coaching staff. The session equipped the squad with key lifesaving skills and supported GWAAC’s ambition to have defibs located at all sporting venues across our region.

GWHS in numbers 68 scouts 821 people at events 5,580 school students

GWHS taught in secondary schools

25

people taught CPR

6,469 and defibrillation

75 volunteers

1,005

923

students taught first aid for a stabbing injury

volunteer hours given

7,474 people taught in total during 2022 11

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We developed our crew and operations Two new fully qualified Specialist Paramedics in Critical Care Our trainees, Callum Sutton and Fleur Mosley, completed their qualifications to become Specialist Paramedics in Critical Care (SPCCs).

Both made a huge impact on the patients they treated as well as on the medical professionals who took part in joint training days with GWAAC.

We welcomed a new Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) trainee In August, we welcomed Dr Nicky Moore to the clinical team. Dr Nicky’s placement at GWAAC helps him to become a Consultant in Emergency Medicine as well as a qualified Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Critical Care Doctor.

“The best bit about working with GWAAC is seeing a point when I will be a skilled member of a great team giving patients the absolute best care.” Dr Nicky Moore, PHEM trainee

Two former trainees returned as permanent Critical Care Doctors Dr Chris Arrowsmith and Dr Andrew Heavyside returned to GWAAC as Critical Care Doctors.

Both spent time at GWAAC as PHEM trainees earlier in their careers before going on to become consultants in hospital.

Their return shows their passion for pre-hospital care and their desire to work with a leading Critical Care Team.

SPCC, Dan Davis, passed his Diploma in Immediate Medical Care – The Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care 12

Critical Care Doctor, Dr Jamie Vassallo, passed his Fellowship in Immediate Medical Care – The Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care

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Keith’s story Four days after celebrating his 60th birthday, Keith suffered a cardiac arrest following his five-a-side football match. He remembers waking up in an ambulance with GWAAC’s Dr Jonathan Benger and Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care, Matt Robinson, saying, “you’re OK, you’ve had a cardiac arrest.”

Keith was lucky. He had received immediate CPR and defibrillation from bystanders before the GWAAC crew stabilised him and got him to hospital.

He is back playing football and is even making plans to climb Ben Nevis.

“To be able to sit here and carry on with life as normal…

I owe a great deal to GWAAC and the people who acted quickly that day.” Keith, former patient

We secured more helicopter landing sites in our area Twenty-nine schools, clubs and businesses in our region agreed to become Official Landing Sites. They shared out-of-hours access details and other key information needed by our crew to exit a location and get to the scene of an emergency.

Landing sites are added to the South West Rendezvous Directory. When a call comes in the crew use it to quickly determine if there is a safe landing site nearby, decreasing response times.

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We opened the doors to two more high street shops

We doubled the number of GWAAC shops, ending the year with four shops on local high streets Where: Cheltenham When: July 2022 Our third shop brought together local people who had a shared connection to our service. At the opening ceremony, the ribbon was cut by a former patient, six year old Jasmine, and Chris Williams, a representative from Spirax Sarco and Ireland; the firm which contributed 88 volunteers and more than 127 individual volunteer days over a three-week period to refurbish the shop.

“Everyone was shocked to find out that air ambulance charities have no public funding despite the vital services they supply, adding to the sense of satisfaction and pride we all have in the shop that is now open.”

Jess Howard, Spirax Sarco

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Where: Gloucester When: December 2022 Our fourth shop offered something a little different from our usual stores. This boutique style shop was set up to sell a range of women’s high-quality clothing and accessories including designer and high street fashion.

“The new shops help raise awareness of the charity’s lifesaving work in Gloucestershire and raise much-needed funds to ensure the GWAAC crew can continue to be there for those in need. They encourage people to shop local and support their high street as well.” Jason Webster, Retail Manager

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We forged high-profile partnerships Bristol International Balloon Fiesta As an official charity partner of the iconic Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in August, we had the opportunity to engage with 500,000 visitors over the four-day event.

We provided activities including crafts, games and face painting. We gave passers-by the opportunity to try on flight helmets, chat to crew and learn CPR. Our helicopter landed in the main arena on Saturday and hundreds of families queued to have a tour from a crew member. And at Saturday’s popular Nightglow we were grateful for all the public’s donations.

The Gloucester 10k We were proud to be one of two official charity partners of the Gloucester 10k in June. A crowd of hundreds cheered on more than 700 runners. Organised by Davies & Partners Solicitors and the Gloucester Quays Rotary, this event raised an incredible £5,000.

Recycling got a boost Thanks to our partnership with Recycling Solutions, we placed clothing and textile recycling banks in more locations in 2022.

As a result, we had a record year with generous supporters donating 214 tonnes of clothing, raising £50,127. Thank you to our 61 hosts who helped us reduce our environmental impact whilst enabling people to contribute lifesaving donations.

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Our finances Where our money came from* Lottery £2,066,613 Grants £556,480

Legacies £505,157

Community fundraising £409,879 Retail income £329,336

Total

£4,531,259

Other income £290,297

Individual donations £214,741 Challenge events £80,103

Corporate fundraising £78,653

How our money was spent* Helicopter costs £1,465,257

Clinical crew, cars and equipment £834,095 Charity staff £727,983

Lottery expenses £675,980

Total

£4,621,373

Other support costs £355,535 Retail costs £314,947

Premises costs £247,576 *Figures subject to audit

Alfie’s story Alfie turned 10 in 2022 — a milestone for any little boy but especially for Alfie who fell critically ill when he was three years old.

It had been a normal day at home, but after saying he was thirsty, Alfie took a turn for the worse and quickly became unresponsive.

The GWAAC crew was called and tried to revive Alfie. After 45 minutes of him being unconscious, the crew put Alfie into an induced coma to protect his brain and quickly transferred him to hospital.

Today, Alfie is fit and well. Mum, Rebecca, said, “He absolutely loves football and spends every minute dragging his dad out to play.”

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Fundraiser spotlights Evans Jones A team of nine cyclists from Evans Jones rode 300 miles from Cheltenham to Bruges in three days. They raised an incredible £12,215. A huge thank you to David, Ian, everyone at Evans Jones and all who took on this challenge.

Bath Motor Club Rob Stanfield A paramedic with a love of adventure completed the South West Coast Path, covering 630 miles over 25 days. Rob slept in whatever shelter he could find each night, braved Storm Eunice and raised an incredible £6,969 plus more than £1,300 in Gift Aid.

Keith and the members of Bath Motor Club have supported GWAAC since 2015, with club members raising over £4,500 to date. 2022’s rolling route along the roads of Somerset saw a bumper year for the Club’s main fundraising event, the Aquae Sulis Tour, which raised an amazing £1,000. We thank the Club for their continued kindness and generosity.

Ladyshape Health and Wellbeing Club Sally Gunter and the fantastic ladies who keep themselves mobile by visiting the Ladyshape Health and Wellbeing Club in Gloucester, have been supporting GWAAC since 2015. The ladies have raised almost £5,000 to date. We cannot thank them enough for their ongoing support.

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We introduced new operational uniform Our crew’s specialist uniforms needed upgrading and replacing due to wear and tear The crew can be called anywhere, to a variety of conditions. This means they need the right gear for their safety and comfort as well as to meet the appropriate safety standards for the helicopter.

The new uniform comes in three pieces.

The trousers are made from heat and flame-resistant material and are specially designed to include mini whiteboards for recording vital patient information and plenty of pockets for small pieces of kit.

The bespoke tops use the latest fabric technology for effective working and include branding with individual names and roles to assist other services at the scene of an emergency. The flight gilets provide additional warmth and protection, with more pockets to carry kit.

Lisa’s story After meeting a friend for coffee in Bristol, Lisa headed for the shops.

But she remembers nothing of that day after the coffee.

On her way to the shops, she was hit by a car.

The GWAAC crew reached Lisa within 15 minutes of the accident. Within 30 minutes, they had assessed and treated her and left for Southmead Hospital – the nearest Major Trauma Centre. Lisa had sustained a broken tibia and fibula and a head injury.

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Lisa, who has no lasting damage from her head injury, said, “It was a significant moment when I got the chance to thank the crew that saved my life.”

IMPACT NATIONALLY

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We were commended for our work Triple award success at Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence Breaking Barriers – winner Advanced Practitioner in Critical Care, Vicki Brown, won the award for her drive, enthusiasm and trailblazing work in carving a career pathway for paramedics in the UK.

“I am very honoured to receive this award and hope to continue to push the boundaries of paramedic practice and set up pathways for others.”

Vicki Brown, Advanced Practitioner in Critical Care

Charity Staff Member of the Year – highly commended

Volunteer of the Year – highly commended

Strategic Partnerships Manager, Joe Hughes, was recognised for spearheading initiatives in 2022, including GWAAC’s Public Access Defibrillator programme.

Great Western Heartstarters Volunteer, Pino Giannitti, was celebrated for teaching CPR and defibrillation to around 900 people in six months.

Our Critical Care Team received Jubilee Medals As a token of the nation’s thanks and as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, these medals were awarded to frontline emergency services workers who met certain criteria.

All GWAAC Advanced and Specialist Paramedics in Critical Care, our Pilots, and most of our Doctors received the award.

“We were all really honoured and excited to receive our medals which commemorated such a special and momentous occasion.”

James Yates, Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care

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Training, education and research medicine. These techniques are rarely done in pre-hospital environments so this essential course enabled the crew to practice without pressure, giving them confidence in their abilities.

Multi-agency training

GWAAC Clinical Symposium In September, GWAAC’s fourth Clinical Symposium brought together medical professionals to share knowledge in PreHospital Emergency Medicine.

The event took place in Aerospace Bristol’s museum, with an array of expert speakers and exhibitors, including a demonstration by the GWAAC Critical Care Team.

In August, GWAAC and Avon Fire & Rescue Service came together for a day of training in crucial rescue techniques. They shared best practices with South Western Ambulance Service’s Hazardous Area Response Team and student paramedics from the University of the West of England.

“Training with colleagues from multiple services is invaluable in ensuring that the best care can be delivered to patients in a timely manner.” Dr Jules Blackham, Critical Care Doctor

“Seeing the Critical Care Team in action was truly a sight to behold. They ran the case like a well-oiled machine. It was very inspirational to see!” Dr Zain Mitha – Junior Doctor, Intensive Care Unit

Surgical skills training day In November, 25 of GWAAC’s clinical team attended a training day to give them hands-on practice of some of the most difficult surgical procedures in emergency

We took part in research studies TETRIS study (Trauma Emergency Thoracotomy for Resuscitation In Shock)

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We participated in a 12-month national study to collect data on patients who undergo a pre-hospital thoracotomy; a surgical procedure to gain access into the chest. The project aims to build up a picture of which patients benefit from the procedure and which patients don’t.

Aerator study The six-month study looked at whether inserting a plastic tube for airway management in cardiac arrest patients generates aerosols that contain COVID-19 particles.

National HEMS Audit and Research Forum (NHARF) GWAAC participated in regular meetings to discuss research at a national level. The sharing of information enables us to use the results of research trials to influence our own practice.

INFLUENCE GLOBALLY

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Making a difference in Ukraine

Dr Ed Valentine teaching in Ukraine

Training search and rescue teams in Norway

In June, Critical Care Doctors, James Tooley, Ed Valentine and Andrew Heavyside, along with Specialist Paramedics Pete Reeve, Callum Sutton and Matt Robinson, volunteered to teach first responder care to groups of civil servants and diplomatic staff in Kyiv in Ukraine.

Around 60 people received medical training covering themes such as how to stop bleeding, using a tourniquet, giving CPR and the triage process. The crew left them with individual trauma kits and empowered them to share the training with others.

“We encouraged them to pass on their new skills to as many people as possible. We gave them the knowledge, the confidence and the medical supplies to deal with things. And they were just so very grateful.” Pete Reeve, Air Operations Officer and Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care

In June, Specialist Paramedics in Critical Care, Pete Reeve and Matt Robinson, provided scenario training to North Sea Oil Rig Nurses and Winch Paramedics, refreshing their skills for dealing with difficult medical incidents.

Matt ran a medical scenario on an elevated rig with a rope rescue technician to simulate a medical incident involving climbing across platforms. Then Pete ran a scenario with a casualty from an explosion in a confined space.

“We had lots of positive feedback from the airway sessions. The training gave them context and experience of using their skills in a practical session — knowing how and when to apply them.” Matt Robinson, Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care

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We enhanced our clinical capabilities

We implemented new clinical techniques and equipment to improve pre-hospital critical care for patients.

Blood gas monitoring We introduced blood gas testing and analysis at the scene of the emergency, to give a quick and accurate diagnosis and to help our clinicians decide the best treatment for patients.

Infusion pumps We implemented clinically advanced infusion pumps which provide a steady, constant flow of drugs to the patient – providing a better outcome than small regular doses.

New kit bag system We undertook a complete review of how our crew pack and carry their growing array of specialist equipment. We developed a bespoke bag system containing a series of pouches with everything required for a task in one place. This modular approach will make it easy to use and save time on scene and during replenishment, ultimately improving the way we care for our patients.

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Ultrasound machines We purchased four new Butterfly IQ+ ultrasound machines. The new lightweight, cutting-edge technology provides sharp images on a screen to help diagnose injuries and serious medical conditions. The crew can determine the best treatment for the patient before hospital, give targeted treatment to alleviate suffering and more closely monitor patients.

“Ultrasound is an invaluable tool for us, and the technology used changes rapidly. We needed to change our old equipment to stay cutting edge.

The new Butterfly machines are the leading ultrasounds and will enable us to continue to deliver the best care we can to patients.”

Dr Richard Jeavons, Deputy Medical Director

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Looking forward During 2023, we plan to: • Open four more charity shops

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• Grow our Great Western Heartstarters and Blunt Truth programmes, teaching at least 10,000 people lifesaving skills

Develop our Outreach Programme, training SWASfT land crew how and when to use GWAAC and how to prepare for our arrival

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• Bring our new operational kit bags into service

Take part in a national trial to assess the benefits of carrying whole blood rather than different blood components

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• Increase our service provision by extending our hours of cover to 02:00 from April

Improve the environmental sustainability of our buildings

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Explore options to increase collaboration with other organisations working in our sector

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Create a centre where supporters, volunteers, staff and crew can meet, learn, relax, work and raise the vital funds we need

• Expand our defibrillator programme, placing 80 more defibs across our region

Our long-term aspirations are to: • Provide a 24/7 service • Formalise the working arrangements of Doctors • Develop a Patient Liaison Service

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We need your support now more than ever.

Without you, our crew would not be there.

Together, we save local lives.

How to help Set up a regular gift

Leave a gift in your will

Any donation helps our Critical Care Team respond to those in urgent need. By choosing to give a monthly donation, you’ll be helping us plan ahead for long-term improvements.

Once you have remembered your loved ones, you can choose to support us well into the future by leaving a gift in your will. If you want to find out more visit www.gwaac.com/gifts-in-wills or contact us at info@gwaac.com

Thank you Please share your copy of our Impact Report with others to help raise awareness of Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and our work.

0303 4444 999 info@gwaac.com www.gwaac.com @GWAAC @GWAAC Great Western Air Ambulance Charity Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, 3rd Floor, County Gates, Ashton Road, Bristol BS3 2JH

Registered charity number: 1121300 Photos credits: Air Ambulances UK Graham Bloomfield Paul Rubery Richard Heeley/BiteTheHand Creative