We’re called to children too
November 7, 2025
When we tell people we’re called to a child almost every day, the next question is often: what for?
The truth is there’s no single answer. Our specialist team is called to babies, children and teenagers for all kinds of reasons — from seizures to road collisions, falls and sporting injuries to cardiac arrests.
Every call has one thing in common: a child suddenly needs critical care and time matters. Within minutes, our crew is in the air or on the road bringing lifesaving care straight to them, wherever they are.
The emergencies we’re called to every day
Between January and October this year, our crew responded to 284 calls involving young patients. That’s almost one every day, or more than six each week on average.
The children we help are in all kinds of situations. Some emergencies come out of the blue, some happen during ordinary play and others involve long-term illness or disability creating ongoing challenges.
This year’s call-outs have also included emergencies at the very start of life. Between January and October, we were called to nine maternity-related incidents for young patients. Six of these were to treat newborn babies and three were to help teenage mothers needing urgent medical care. Each one is a reminder that our care can be needed from the moment a child enters the world.
What the numbers show
When a child becomes suddenly and seriously unwell
Almost half of the children we’ve been called to this year faced serious illness. From cardiac arrests and severe breathing difficulties to seizures and sepsis, these are moments when a child’s life can hang in the balance.
- Sometimes a baby stops breathing at home.
- Sometimes a child with epilepsy has a prolonged seizure.
- Sometimes a teenager collapses without warning.
In these moments, every second counts. Our specialist team brings hospital-level care directly to the child, wherever they are, giving them the best chance before reaching hospital.
When the unexpected happens
Just over a fifth of our call-outs to young people involve sudden, unexpected emergencies — things that happen to a child, often out of their control. That might be a serious road traffic collision involving a child passenger, pedestrian or cyclist, or a teenager involved in a motorcycle or e-scooter accident.
We’ve also responded to toddlers with severe burns, children pulled from water after near drownings and teenagers who are victims of violent incidents such as stabbings or assaults. In these moments, our crew’s rapid response and skill can make a vital difference.
Everyday moments that turn serious
Sometimes we’re called to children who have been seriously hurt doing ordinary activities in familiar places. We’ve referred to these as ‘everyday accidents’:
- A tumble from a climbing frame.
- A fall from a horse.
- A sporting injury on a muddy field.
- An accident at home.
These are moments any parent or grandparent can imagine — because they could happen to anyone’s child without warning.
When young people need urgent care and compassion
Among our call-outs this year, some have been to young people in crisis, usually situations involving self-harm, including overdose. These are incredibly sensitive and challenging incidents for everyone involved. Our crew not only provides lifesaving medical care but also brings calm, reassurance and compassion in what are often distressing circumstances for families and friends.
A specialist team ready to respond
Emergencies aren’t planned. That’s why our team is there 365 days a year, ready to reach babies, children and teenagers in urgent need.
Whether it’s a child struggling to breathe, a teenager injured on the road or a baby in need of critical care, we want to be there when it matters most. We serve communities across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, North Somerset and parts of Wiltshire.
Over the coming months, we’ll be called to a child almost every day, sometimes more than once. Being ready to respond requires training, the right skills and equipment — and the support of people like you.
Your donations and fundraising keep our crew in the air and on the road, ready to bring lifesaving care to children whenever and wherever it’s needed. Our next call-out could be for anyone’s child — and your support could save their life. Thank you.
If you'd like to learn more about our work with children and read some stories of the children we've been there to help, click here.
Image taken from simulation
Image taken from simulation
Image taken from simulation
Image taken from simulation
