New airbase for Great Western Air Ambulance charity

The Great Western Air Ambulance charity (GWAAC), which provides air ambulance and critical care for over 2.1 million people, opened its new airbase in Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire in the presence of HRH The Duke of Gloucester.  The 10 year old charity raised £1.3m to purchase the land and construct its purpose-build base.  Each critical care team comprises a highly trained and experienced Pilot, a specialist Paramedic and a Critical Care Doctor.  They may receive up to five calls a day requiring their expertise.  'As GWAAC serves a population including Bristol, B&NES, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, I am pleased to see people from so many sectors attending the launch. As a Patron of GWAAC, the Trustees and I are so proud of their huge contribution to healthcare, particularly at times of emergency when other forms of help may be unable to reach those in dire need,' explains Mrs Peaches Golding OBE, Lord-Lieutenant for Bristol.  Chief Executive Anne Perry and HRH The Duke of Gloucester are seen at the centre of the photograph.