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Duchess of Edinburgh Visits Thames Valley Air Ambulance After Record Year of 3,302 Call-Outs

The engagement underscored that the service receives no regular government or NHS funding and relies on donations to keep crews flying.

Overview

  • During the Stokenchurch visit, the royal toured expanded operations and education spaces, observed a training scenario, practiced a lifesaving intervention and unveiled a plaque.
  • Thames Valley Air Ambulance reported 3,302 missions in 2025, with May the busiest month at 301 call-outs.
  • The charity said cardiac arrests accounted for 1,230 incidents last year and listed county totals of 1,162 in Buckinghamshire, 958 in Oxfordshire and 1,090 in Berkshire.
  • Staff showcased new tools such as 3D printing and digital tracking systems as leaders described the visit as a welcome morale boost.
  • Sophie has a personal link as a former patient airlifted in 2001 and patron since 2019, and some reports noted she became emotional while recalling the ordeal.