North West Air Ambulance moves into new base at Blackpool Airport

It is the first time the NWAA has had a permanent base in Blackpool and will serve as a ‘major operational improvement’ for the crews, who previously worked out of modular units.

Features of the new base include a bespoke hangar for its emergency vehicles, with space for a helicopter and two rapid response vehicles, along with improved staff facilities.

These include dedicated engineer and pilot rooms, as well as amenities such as new showers and a kitchen.

With no government funding the move to the new base has been funded by charitable donations from supporters and a collaboration with Blackpool Airport and Babcock International, which provides aviation services for the charity.

Andy Duncan, the charity’s lead helicopter emergency medical services paramedic, inset, said: “The new base has had an incredible impact on the morale of the whole crew. It’s great to have such a fantastic facility to return to after a tough mission – even simple things like new showers and a kitchen make all the difference.

“These improvements allow us to spend less time on everyday tasks, and more time preparing for missions, which keeps us performing to the very best of our ability

“It’s thanks to the fundraising and donations that we receive from our incredible supporters that we were able to make this move, so thank you”.

- In 2019 alone, the NWAA crews attended 2,355 missions.

- NWAA must raise more than £9.5m annually to continue its lifesaving work.

- The NWAA also has a base at Barton Airport, Greater Manchester.