GWAAC provides critical care and air ambulance services across a large region, including Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset. Their crew isn’t just made up of regular paramedics – it’s a specialist team of highly trained Critical Care Doctors and Specialist Paramedics, who bring the skills, equipment and expertise you would usually only find in a hospital emergency department directly to the patient. This means they can deliver advanced interventions at the scene of an incident, such as roadside anaesthesia, surgical procedures, or advanced medication – often making the difference between life and death before a patient even reaches hospital.
Behind the Scenes at GWAAC: How Our Work Supports a Life-Saving Service
Earlier this week, several members of our team visited the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) base in Almondsbury, Bristol, where we are currently delivering a General Works project to construct a new car park. While the visit was arranged as part of our regular site meeting, it also gave us the valuable opportunity to learn more about the life-saving work the charity delivers every single day.
A common misconception is that air ambulances are simply about getting patients to hospital more quickly. In fact, their primary purpose is to bring the hospital to the patient – particularly in rural areas or in critical emergencies where time is of the essence and stabilising someone on the spot is vital. The helicopter is just one part of their service – they also respond in rapid response cars when needed, especially at night or in difficult weather.
It was sobering to learn that each helicopter call-out costs around £2,200 and that the charity receives no day-to-day government or NHS funding. Instead, they rely entirely on public support and fundraising to cover the £4 million it takes annually to keep the service running. In 2024 alone, their team responded to over 2,000 emergencies across the region, treating patients with serious trauma, cardiac arrests, strokes and other life-threatening conditions.
During our visit, we were welcomed by members of the team, saw the helicopter up close, and gained a much deeper understanding of just how specialist and vital their operation is. It was inspiring to see the professionalism, care and commitment that drives their work every day.
Although our project – constructing a new car park – may seem modest in comparison, it will make a practical difference to their daily operations and help support the running of this vital service. It was a proud moment for our team to see how our work contributes to something much bigger and more meaningful.
A huge thank you to the team at GWAAC for taking the time to show us around and share more about the incredible work they do. It was a visit that left a lasting impact and a renewed sense of purpose in what we do.