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.

sign-up to run for gwaac in this year's bath half

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 Dan - Supporter Engagement Officer for B&NES

Dan's Q&A

B&NES Hotspot

Keynsham is my go-to chill spot! It's got that close-knit community vibe that feels so welcoming. The coffee shops here are top-notch, perfect for catching up or relaxing. Plus, there's always some awesome event happening, making it the place to be for fun and good times!

Tell us about your supporters

Having only recently joined the charity, it has been a truly rewarding experience to meet so many of our dedicated local supporters who consistently go above and beyond in aid of Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC). Whether through organising community events, participating in fundraising activities, or spreading awareness about our cause, their commitment is inspiring. It's heartening to witness such a strong sense of community spirit and generosity, which plays a crucial role in ensuring we can continue to provide life-saving services.

Favourite fundraiser

I was lucky enough to meet a lovely lady in the B&NES area who is committed to fundraising for GWAAC through car boots, jumble sales, bingo nights and so much more. She also often provides care packages to our operational crew which always bring a smile to their faces.

What Surprised You Most About GWAAC

What surprised me most about GWAAC is the realisation that, despite receiving no government or national lottery funding, we continue to deliver exceptional, gold-standard care around the clock, every single day of the year.

Favourite Thing About Working for GWAAC

The awesome team is all about teamwork, united for one common goal. Everyone's pulling together, making things happen, and it's pretty inspiring to see. Each member brings their own flair, and together, we're unstoppable.

Favourite food

Anything sweet! I have the biggest sweet tooth and always have to have a pudding

Top TV recommendation

It's got to be Strictly Come Dancing - yes it's all about glitter and sequins.

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