GWAAC is the air ambulance for Bath and North East Somerset

Flanked by the suburbs of Bristol and the hills of the Mendips and Cotswolds, Bath and North East Somerset boasts the second largest stone circle in Britain, the beautiful Chew Valley Lake and of course the Roman Spa of Bath.

Our Critical Care Team were called 123 times to Bath and North East Somerset in 2024. That’s over two people each week who were given the best chance of a positive outcome, thanks to their local air ambulance.

It is also more likely that we are called to the area by helicopter, meaning the average mission cost in B&NES is higher than other areas we serve.

In 2024 we opened two charity shops in B&NES to help fund our lifesaving service; one on Moorland Road in Bath and our newest shop on Keynsham High Street. Our shop staff have been enjoying welcoming all the local customers.
Find out more about our High Street shops on our retail web page.

You will also find us at the Bath Festival of Motoring and of course the Bath Half Marathon.

2024 Bath and Northeast Somerset missions in numbers:

123

Call-outs to B&NES

Up from 101 in 2023

35 by helicopter

Compared to 34 in 2023

88 by critical care car

Up from 67 in 2023

Medical emergencies

Up from 52 in 2023

Trauma incidents

Up from from 49 in 2023

We were called out to Bath and North East Somerset 123 times in 2024. That's up from 101 times in 2023 and 94 times in 2022.

Meet Savannah - Supporter Engagement Officer for B&NES

Savannah's Q&A

B&NES Hotspot

It’s so hard to choose! BANES is rich in options from serene contryside to historical beauty. I would say a stroll along Folly Farm Nature Reserve or a delicious afternoon tea at Sally Lunn’s.

Tell us about your supporters

All of our supporters are incredible. Since starting at GWAAC, it has been so inspiring to read and see first-hand the generosity and passion our supporters have to help us provide our lifesaving missions. From providing our crew with hampers, to hosting plant and book sales, to partnerships with local Bowls and Rotary clubs all the way to being present at community events - we are thankful for them all.

Favourite fundraiser

In BANES, we are fortunate to have an incredible supporter base. Since starting at GWAAC, I have been especially wowed by the amazing support by Susan and Caroline, who enjoy hosting tombolas and put together special hampers for the crew.

What Surprised You Most About GWAAC

The fact that everything involved in our lifesaving missions (from helicopter fuel to critical care equipment) is only made possible from donations. I didn't realise before working for a local air ambulance charity that most don't receive any government funding and the vital work is all funded by the generosity of local people, groups and communities.

Favourite Thing About Working for GWAAC

The fact that every week I get to work with extraordinary people - from our charity office team, retail staff, critical care crew, and, of course, our supporters! Every single person I connect with through GWAAC comes with their own insights, ideas, and inspirations that help us all to keep up the amazing work towards our vital missions. It is really inspiring.

Favourite food

I’m a salad fiend, so anything from homemade coleslaw to tapenade. As long as there’s bread and cheese involved, I’m happy!

Top TV recommendation

I recently enjoyed Day of the Jackal (Sky/NowTV) and Slow Horses (Apple TV).

Alex's Story

“I remember lying on the ground knowing I had a massive injury and just praying for help soon! The air ambulance flew over just as the first ground crew arrived, the relief was massive because I knew the sound of the helicopter was my best hope!”

Find out more

GWAAC pilot and Bath Resident Rich

Being based in Bath, I feel lucky to have such a wonderful charity local to me and one that I can fly for. I’m very aware that no one is immune to needing an air ambulance and it’s comforting to know that living in Bath, I have GWAAC.

Rich MacLaughlin

Meet Rich