UK HEMS charity responds to 557 incidents during busy summer period

The UK’s Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) responded to 557 incidents over the summer, as the UK helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) charity prepares to strengthen its fleet with three Airbus H145 D2 helicopters

Between 21 June and 22 September, GNAAS critical care teams based at Eaglescliffe and Penrith in the north of England responded to incidents across northern England, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.

Cardiac arrests and road traffic collisions were the most common reasons for deployment during the period, followed by falls, other medical emergencies, and assaults.

GNAAS said the summer months are typically among its busiest periods, with increased participation in outdoor activities such as hiking and sports, alongside greater numbers of people travelling by car and motorcycle.

More missions require increase in resources

The figures come as the charity works to increase the resilience of its helicopter fleet through the acquisition of three Airbus H145 D2 aircraft.

Financing has already been secured for the first two helicopters, while GNAAS is seeking to raise the deposit required for the third.

Chief Pilot Phil Lambert said operating with only two aircraft created a risk that the service could temporarily lose its airborne capability if one helicopter was undergoing maintenance while the second developed a technical fault.

“A third aircraft changes everything,” he said. “It gives us resilience and guarantees that when one is being serviced, two remain ready to fly.”

GNAAS launched its Operation SOS: Secure Our Service campaign in 2025 with a target of raising £2.5 million towards the third aircraft.

The charity reported that it had reached 33% of its fundraising target by late September, with more than £1.5 million still required before the end of 2026.