The Wales Air Ambulance is launching its 22^nd anniversary as it celebrates over two decades of helping to saves lives across the country.

Formed on St David’s Day, 1 March 2001, the Charity has grown to be one of the largest and most medically advanced air ambulance operations in Europe. 

Since its inception, the Wales Air Ambulance has attended 44,500 missions.

The Charity relies on public donations to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road and is the only air ambulance charity based in and dedicated to the people of Wales. 

The Charity operates four helicopters across Wales and offers advanced critical care across Wales. It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership between the Wales Air Ambulance Charity and the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS Cymru).

As a result, the service is consultant-led and is known as a ‘flying emergency department’, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient at the scene of an incident. This includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.

In December 2020, the Wales Air Ambulance introduced a helicopter to start flying at night, which enabled the Charity to reach more people in their worst moments.

Currently, the Wales Air Ambulance operates 24/7, 365 days a year Wales-wide, thanks to the generosity of the people of Wales.

For that, the Charity would like to say “thank you” to all its loyal supporters, its staff, volunteers, Trustees, medics, pilots and allocators – past and present. Your passion and determination are the strong foundation upon which Wales Air Ambulance has been built. It’s because of you that we’re able to serve Wales and save lives.

Happy 22^nd Birthday Wales Air Ambulance!