Great Western Air Ambulance Charity is calling for people in its region of Bath and North East Somerset to show their support during Air Ambulance Week by lighting up green for GWAAC.

Air Ambulance Week 2023 takes off across the UK from 4 – 10 September to raise awareness of the lifesaving work of all 21 air ambulance charities across the UK.

During the national awareness week, organised by Air Ambulances UK, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) will be joining other air ambulance charities around the United Kingdom delivering the vital message: "We can't save lives without you!"

The campaign highlights how air ambulance charities such as GWAAC need the support of individuals and communities to continue to bring emergency medical care to the most seriously ill or injured in their region.

From roadside blood transfusions to performing emergency surgery to anaesthesia, GWAAC's crew is specially trained to deliver pre-hospital emergency care to both children and adults, giving someone their best chance on their worst day.

You can light up a window in green on Thursday 7 September to support the theme of the day: "The difference you can make." Whether it's a string of fairy lights or a big window display, going #GreenForGWAAC this week will help raise awareness of the charity's lifesaving work. GWAAC is asking everyone to take pictures and post on socials using the hashtag #GreenForGWAAC.

You will be joining local organisations, such as the Bristol Old Vic and the Royal West of England Academy, who are lighting up their buildings in green. Coleford's Clocktower will also be lit in green but not until Friday to coincide with the village's GreenFest – an evening of fun with music and activities.

By supporting GWAAC during Air Ambulances Week 2023, you will truly be making a difference to someone's life.

The first six months of 2023 saw GWAAC respond to 958 people in need of urgent pre-hospital emergency care — a 7% increase compared to the first half of 2022.

Simmy Akhtar, Air Ambulances UK's CEO, said: "Air Ambulance Week is an important reminder of the vital work of air ambulance charities across the UK. Each day, air ambulance charities are collectively dispatched to over 100 lifesaving missions and each mission is funded almost entirely by the generosity of our local communities. The generosity of individuals and organisations make all the difference. It is your donations and support that enable air ambulance charities to continue to deliver advanced pre-hospital care to people with a sudden life-threatening injury or medical illness.

By supporting Air Ambulances UK and your local air ambulance, you are directly impacting lives and improving patient outcomes. Your compassion and generosity play a crucial role in sustaining the invaluable service we provide to our communities."

Anyone, anywhere in the UK can become a patient at any time

Keith needed GWAAC's help in 2022 when he suffered a cardiac arrest during his usual Friday night 5-a-side football.

Keith recalls waking up in an ambulance with a GWAAC Doctor looking over him: "I remember him saying, 'You're ok, you've had a cardiac arrest.' In my mind, I felt OK. The fact that someone was talking to me signalled I was alive and in good hands."

Keith goes on to say, "To be able to sit here and carry on with life as normal – I owe a great deal to GWAAC and the guys who acted quickly… and I didn't even realise GWAAC was a charity!"

GWAAC's crew brings the skills and expertise of a hospital to the scene of an emergency, performing complex procedures using advanced equipment and drugs that improve survival rates. By supporting GWAAC during Air Ambulance Week 2023, you will help ensure it can continue to save the lives of people like Keith.