Rising fuel costs pose a threat to air ambulance charities
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity say rising costs could impact their ability to respond
The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity is facing significant challenges due to rising fuel costs, affecting both its helicopter and critical care cars operations.
Anna Perry, Chief Executive of the charity, highlighted the dire impact that escalating fuel prices have on their ability to save lives, with concerns mounting over their budget and future mission planning.
The charity is entirely funded by public donations, with no government support, making the volatility of fuel costs a serious threat to its operations.
Anna explained, "It affects the charity's ability to plan for the future, how many missions we'll be able to go on, how many patients we'll be able to see, how many people we'll be able to employ to do our life-saving work."
There is anxiety over how high fuel prices might impact charitable donations, as individuals face increased personal expenses at the pump.
Great Western Air Ambulance operates from a strategically located base near major motorways and has four critical care cars to cover areas the helicopter service might not reach due to fuel constraints.
In a typical year, the charity uses approximately 80,000 litres of aviation fuel, with expectant budgetary pressures due to fluctuating global oil market prices.
Anna noted, "With the current cost of aviation fuel the way it is, each mission costs more and therefore we need more support from local communities to save each life."
The average cost of a life-saving mission for the charity is around £2,200, a figure set to rise with ongoing fuel price hikes.
The situation remains uncertain, with the charity stressing the importance of community support to ensure their continued capability to save lives in areas including Bristol, Gloucestershire, Bath, Wiltshire, and North Somerset.