Since then the charity, which relies entirely on donations, has completed more than 22,000 missions, making a difference to thousands of lives across the region.
These pictures are just a snapshot of some of the highlights during the past 21 years.
1.
North West Air Ambulance crew at Blackpool airport. L-R Justin Mawtus Neil Airey and Graham Bowen
2.
Blackpool Male Voice Choir filming with Paul Crone at Blackpool Airport, to raise money for the North West Air Ambulance.
3.
Blackpool Air Ambulance crew members Dave Suart (left) and Justin Mawtus who helped with the rescue on the derailed train in Cumbria.
4.
Air Ambulance paramedic Chris Fraser-Clark (right) and Ged Jones (North West Air Ambulance) with the new rapid resonse vehicle at their Blackpool Airport base, in 2009
5.
Balloon launch at Mereside Primary School, Blackpool, to raise money for the North West Air Ambulance in 2006
6.
Fundraising is vital to keep the Air Ambulance operating such as thisfunding presentatiion in 2005. Pictured left to right: Nick Sutcliffe (paramedic), Joan Halse (Thwaites), Phil Merritt (pilot) and Lee Winterbottom (paramedic)