Big surge in call-outs for North West Air Ambulance Charity - here's what happened in 2025

The charity responded to 3,862 missions across Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire, and Cumbria during 2025 - an increase of 692 compared to the previous year - or 21.8 per cent.

Regional breakdown:

• Greater Manchester: 1,646 incidents (+32 per cent year on year (yoy))

• Merseyside: 480 incidents (+27 per cent yoy)

• Lancashire: 934 incidents (+14.3 per cent yoy)

• Cheshire: 553 incidents (+7.8 per cent yoy)

• Cumbria: 187 incidents (+8.1 per cent yoy)

Cardiac arrest and medical emergencies accounted for the highest proportion of callouts (1,362, +34.1 per cent yoy), followed by road traffic collisions (191, +13.7 per cent yoy) and accidental injuries.

NWAA operates across a five-county region spanning from Carlisle to Crewe, providing critical care to the most seriously ill and injured patients in the North West, but is entirely funded by public donations and must raise over £18 million annually to remain operational, as it receives no NHS or government funding.

David Whittle, Senior Head of Operations at NWAA said: “Every mission represents a life in need, and thanks to the incredible support of our donors and volunteers, we’ve been able to reach more patients than ever before. This record-breaking year highlights the importance of our service and the difference it makes across the North West.

“Our crews deliver hospital-level care at the scene of emergencies, and these figures show just how vital that care is. We’re proud to provide this service and grateful to everyone who makes it possible.”

The equipment

Since launching in 1999 with one helicopter, the charity now operates three helicopters and four critical care vehicles. Two helicopters are based at Barton Airbase in Manchester, and a third is based at Blackpool Airbase.

In October 2024, the charity extended operating hours, and the expansion of its Night Car service has contributed to a significant rise in missions, with 977 completed by critical care vehicles alone – a 106.5 per cent increase from 2024.

For more information and to support the charity, visit nwairambulance.org.uk.