The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance says last year was its second busiest on record.
The life-saving charity attended 99 missions on the Isle of Wight in 2020.
Paramedics from HIOWAA went to 1,577 incidents across the region. Cardiac arrests accounted for 27% (423) of call-outs.
Crashes and collisions on Hampshire's roads were responsible for 21% (324) of call-outs.
HIOWAA Deputy CEO, Sherie Williams Ellen, said:
“These figures demonstrate the fundamental need for our life-saving service. To surpass the number of call-outs we received in 2018, while much of the nation spent long periods of time indoors, is simply staggering. Throughout the pandemic our doctors, specialist paramedics and pilots have continued to provide the most seriously ill and injured people in our region with the most advanced critical care available.
“I am beyond proud of the way in which our charity has responded to the health crisis and the subsequent demands placed upon the team. Every step of the way, however, we have been backed up by our incredibly generous donors. Without them, none of what we do would be possible.”
Breakdown of monthly call-outs
January |
189 |
February |
168 |
March |
120 |
April |
65 |
May |
104 |
June |
124 |
July |
130 |
August |
159 |
September |
133 |
October |
115 |
November |
136 |
December |
134 |
Total |
1,577 |
Teams also remain on standby to airlift COVID-19 patients from the Island to mainland hospitals if necessary.
The charity has also been working with the coastguard to help ease pressure at St Mary’s Hospital.
HIOWAA relies on donations to keep flying. You can donate here.