Air ambulance charity called to 45 incidents in Melksham last year

The local air ambulance charity was called to 45 incidents in Melksham over the past year, as crews continued to deliver lifesaving care across the town.

From its airbase in Semington, the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance’s helicopter and critical care cars responded to emergencies where rapid medical intervention was needed, bringing advanced care directly to patients at the scene.

Across the wider Wiltshire and Bath region, the charity attended 1,159 missions in total last year, averaging around three call-outs every day.

The helicopter is able to reach anywhere in Wiltshire and Bath within just 11 minutes, helping crews provide critical treatment when time is crucial.

Chief executive designate Barbara Gray said, “Behind every number is a real person – someone’s loved one. These figures show just how vital our work is, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team. We’re so grateful to everyone who supports us and helps keep this lifesaving service running.”

Critical care doctors were on board for 61% of missions, enabling crews to carry out advanced procedures such as anaesthesia, complex pain relief and emergency surgery.

Over the past year, 333 patients were transferred to major hospitals across the region to receive urgent specialist care.

The charity receives no direct government funding and relies on donations from local people and businesses to continue operating. Further information on how to support the service is available at wiltshirebathair ambulance.org.uk.