The Children’s Air Ambulance tops 200 missions in 2024 as it surpasses 1,000 overall

In 2024, The Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA) team flew a total of 297 hours and 11 minutes, saving time when it mattered most. The service worked in partnership with 11 clinical partner teams, ensuring that each transfer was seamless and provided the best care for young patients.

As a national service, TCAA is transforming paediatric and neonatal care by providing high speed transfers for babies and children in need of care. With each flight designed as a flying intensive care unit, the charity can transfer young patients to specialist hospitals that are better equipped to provide the level of care they require.

A key milestone last year was the successful use of bespoke incubator systems in 75 transfers. Since their launch in December 2022, they have made a great difference in improving neonatal care, enabling TCAA to safely transport the most vulnerable babies.

Last year also saw the 400th mission milestone of carrying a parent onboard, a reminder of how the charity values the bond between families and their children, especially during challenging times. Also in 2024, the charity reached its 1,000th mission.

“The 1,000th mission is a significant milestone for the Children’s Air Ambulance,” says Chris Bailey, Associate Director of Operations. “It demonstrates the trust placed in us by families and our clinical partner teams across the country and reinforces the essential service we provide, day in and day out. We are continually exploring ways to enhance our services and increase our support to the NHS and the clinical teams we work alongside, to ensure we are there when families need us most.”

Last year flying hours were extended, to cover 08:00 to 22:00, enabling the service to be more accessible to families, offering more opportunities for transfers; another operational achievement.

The charity also made progress in strengthening its partnerships across the NHS by visiting all 11 clinical partner teams, ensuring the highest standards of care during every mission and optimising the logistics of patient transfers. Furthermore, the next phase of modifications to TCAA’s aircraft continue to enhance its operational capabilities, ensuring that each flight meets the complex needs of critically ill children and babies.

TCAA says its continued success would not be possible without the generosity of its supporters, donors and volunteers. Each mission costs £3,600 and it is only through this support that the service can continue to operate.

Bailey adds: “Every year, we are amazed by the unwavering and passionate support from our donors, volunteers and supporters, who enable us to continue this vital work. We couldn’t be there for families without their help, and we are incredibly grateful for the generosity that allows us to provide this essential service.”

For more information visit www.childrensairambulance.org.uk