More lives are set to be saved by Cornwall Air Ambulance as a new weather station is launched in Bude.
The new site, which has been funded by charity ambassador Dr Karen J Dickens, will assist in accurate reporting of local conditions, making it easier than ever to determine whether the helicopter can fly to incidents in the north coast area.
Previously, pilots relied on information from weather stations located in Newquay, Penzance and the Isles of Scilly to gauge weather conditions in North Cornwall, which wasn’t always accurate enough to permit a safe launch.
The new site will provide valuable data where dramatic differences in weather conditions are often seen at opposite ends of the county.
Dr Dickens said: “The Cornish people did an amazing job of raising the funds to buy the new helicopter and continue to do so to keep the critical care paramedics in the air. So, it is only right that the charity pilots have access to the best and most up-to-date information too.”
Dr Dickens donated £26,000 to build the new station, which won’t just support Cornwall Air Ambulance missions but will also help other emergency services in the county.
She added: “The critical care paramedics and pilots do an incredible job every day and I am glad that I can support them in their lifesaving missions with my personal donations and fundraising activities, along with those of my company, Comitti Boats UK & Caribbean.”
Following the launch of the station, Cornwall Air Ambulance pilot Richard Dixon said: “The weather in Cornwall is extremely changeable and yet there are limited weather stations throughout the county. The new station in Bude will help us make important decisions on when to operate the helicopter.”
Bude Stratton Town Council was also critical to the success of the project, donating the land for free and offering support along the way.
