Lives saved in Cornwall by air ambulance for 35 years: old photos

Now Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust is celebrating 35 years since the UK's first emergency helicopter service began, right here in Cornwall.

In 1987, Cornwall was the first part of the UK to launch an air ambulance helicopter, a vital service that has proven time and time again its importance in such a rural destination.

The very first air ambulance

Now, 35 years on, the crew are tasked to around 1,000 emergency missions every year, with more than 31,000 under their belts since the service was first launched.

In 2021 alone, its critical care paramedics were called to 1,092 patients in need, attending everything from medical emergencies to trauma-related incidents across the Duchy and beyond.

Air ambulance crews have been saving lives for more than three decades

Now the charity is busy planning for the future, ensuring the service continues to provide and serve the people of Cornwall at their greatest times of need.

Part of this has included welcoming two brand new rapid response vehicles to the roster, with more plans in motion to extend the current airbase.

It also comes after the trust welcomed its new AW169 helicopter in 2020, following a huge public campaign which saw almost £3million raised for the appeal, extending the hours the helicopter could fly.

Cornwall Air Ambulance today

CEO Tim Bunting said: “There is no doubt that this lifesaving service is vitally needed in this county.

“But what’s more amazing is that it’s completely funded by the generosity of the people of Cornwall and beyond.

“Without your support, our crew could not do what they do – help to save lives and keep more families together in Cornwall.

“The public has proudly supported us for the last 35 years. Today, we need them to help keep us flying for many, many more.”

Crew members of the first air ambulance

This week Truro mayor Steven Webb and other invited guests joined the crew at Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust's headquarters in Newquay for a celebration.

Among those attending were Derek Lindsey and his wife. Derek was one of the rescue service's very first patients back in 1987, when he was airlifted to hospital after suffering a heart attack.

Now, all these years on, he is still here to tell the story, thanks to the efforts of that first helicopter crew.

Derek Lindsey Penrose one of the early patients being placed in the helicopter following a heart attack

Derreck Lindsey, pictured with his wife, was one of the air ambulance's first patients

March 31 saw an end of the New Heli Appeal, the two-year fundraising campaign to help purchase a next generation helicopter for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Barbara Sharples, trustee and chair of the New Heli Appeal, said: “It is with immense gratitude and pride that I thank the wonderful people, businesses and communities of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and beyond. So many have donated so much.

"Today is a moment that will ensure Cornwall Air Ambulance saves even more lives in the future. A moment for our county to feel proud.”

Truro mayor Steve Webb joins the Cornwall Air Ambulance team and patients they have saved, to mark 35 years

A rescue for the first Cornwall Air Ambulance

The air ambulance in action

The air ambulance landing in a remote location

The first air ambulance on a rescue