Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance warns about steep rise in fuel costs
Aviation fuel price surge impacts lifesaving service
The Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity is grappling with a sharp increase in helicopter fuel costs in the wake of the Middle East conflict.
The charity has secured 15,000 litres of aviation fuel to maintain its operations, but instability in the Gulf region, which supplies approximately half of Europe’s aviation fuel, has caused prices to soar.
This financial burden comes as demand for their vital service remains steady.
Providing essential medical care by air and land, the charity operates independently and relies completely on public donations, with no regular government funding.
Barbara Gray, chief executive at the charity, said: “We are closely monitoring fuel prices and the wider economic situation. Like many organisations, we are facing rising operational costs.
“Our focus remains on supporting the crew to respond to patients in urgent need of critical care.
“Community support ensures we can continue to be there when people need us most.”
The team is on call every day, ready to respond to emergencies across Wiltshire and Bath.
They attend an average of three incidents daily, using either helicopter or critical care cars.
The helicopter's ability to reach anywhere in Wiltshire and Bath within 11 minutes underscores the importance of speed in their operations.
Public and local business contributions continue to be crucial for the charity as it navigates increased financial pressures during this challenging time.
To find out more, visit wiltshirebathairambulance.org.uk.