Stoke-on-Trent has never had its own dedicated air ambulance and the city relies upon helicopters travelling from bases across the Midlands when a life-threatening incident occurs. 

But there is a local charity determined to change that and save lives across Stoke-on-Trent. 

Stoke Air Ambulance launched just over a year ago as a registered charity by CEO and founder, Phil Copeland. 

Phil told Stoke Nub News: "My wife and I were recovering from COVID and I noticed that we don't tend to see the helicopters around here and if we do, it's people being brought to our fantastic hospital from other locations. 

"I wondered why Stoke had never had its own air ambulance and so I decided to raise funds for our own dedicated helicopter with a pilot and maintenance.

"Not every incident is time critical, but a lot of them are and every second counts - It's not just about saving a life, by getting a doctor to a patient they can begin treatment and dramatically reduce recovery time which takes pressure off the NHS."

Stoke Air Ambulance is currently based at the Chambers of Commerce in Festival Park (Stoke Air Ambulance).

Stoke Air Ambulance will not only cover Stoke-on-Trent but areas across Staffordshire and Cheshire too, including Crewe, Sandbach, Market Drayton and Stafford. 

Local helicopter firm, Hill Helicopters, have applied for permission from the council to build a huge factory in Cresswell and this is where Stoke's air ambulance will be based if the plans are given the green light. 

The helicopter will fly at around 30mph faster than the typical air ambulance so that the doctor can reach the patient much quicker. 

For example, Stoke Air Ambulance will reach the scene of an incident in Crewe in only eight minutes from receiving the call. 

For areas in Stoke-on-Trent, this will take only six minutes. 

Stoke Air Ambulance covers areas across Staffordshire and Cheshire including Crewe, Macclesfield, Stafford and Uttoxeter (Stoke Air Ambulance).

Phil said: "In a ten mile like for like compared to the typical air ambulance, ours will arrive around two minutes quicker.

"This is the people's helicopter - it will be painted Wedgwood blue as a tribute to the industrial past of the area and inside there will be a spare seat to allow a family member to travel with the patient."

Stoke Air Ambulance relies completely on donations from the local community and Phil says "the fundraising is going really well, when we talk to people they want to know how they can help and how they can support us. 

"This will be paid for by the people, for the people, like a community project."

To find out more about Stoke Air Ambulance and to donate, visit their website. 

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READ MORE: Two major Stoke-on-Trent roads to undergo huge transformation to create 'safe and attractive' travel routes 

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