Wales Air Ambulance Charity (WAAC) is celebrating its 50,000th mission.
The charity launched March 1, 2001, and operates three Airbus H145 helicopters and one Airbus H135 from bases in Caernarfon, Llanelli, Welshpool and Cardiff. The 50,000th mission took place in June.
“We mark this milestone with huge gratitude – we are truly humbled,” said Dr. Sue Barnes, CEO of WAAC. “This would not have been possible without the continued support and dedication of our supporters, volunteers, employees, medics, pilots and engineers – past and present.”
WAAC is said to be the only air ambulance charity based in, and dedicated to, the people of Wales, relying entirely on donations to raise the £11.2 million needed to keep its helicopters in the air.
“Behind each mission, there are human stories,” said Barnes. “On 50,000 occasions, the medics on board our vehicles have been tasked to help someone in need. When past patients and their families visit us, they often bring their family and friends – sometimes their young children.
“At that point, you realise that the impact of our charity is far greater than just the patient themselves. We have also impacted the lives of their family and friends who, without our service, may never have been reunited with their loved ones.
“We are also immensely grateful to those individuals and organizations we work alongside in the chain of emergency care. This includes the Welsh Ambulance Service and Welsh health boards, as well as fellow emergency services across the country.”
