The County Air Ambulance Trust is the region's oldest independent air ambulance charity, launched in March 1993. It played an indispensable part in securing the financial future of the first red helicopter flying from Cosford, at a time when the local economy was badly affected by recession, paving the way for rapid expansion. The Trust was created by businessman and successful fundraising specialist Tony Bateson who became the Charity Director until the end of 2009 when he stepped down after almost twenty years at the helm. Tony is still actively involved with the Trust as the Grants Officer.

1997 the County Air Ambulance Trust funded the new infrastructure at Strensham.

1998 saw the new visitor centre and operational base at RAF Cosford followed by a new hanger in 2001 funded by the County Air Ambulance Trust.

Today there are six helicopters in the Central England Region but the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service or HEMS is not now solely about helicopters.

2008 saw the launch of our HELP Appeal (Helicopter Emergency Landing Pads), a campaign and appeal to hasten the development of a highly equipped network of helipads and services throughout the Region. The first new helipad was opened in October 2009 at Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital.

PATRON - The Lady Forester

HONORARY PRESIDENT - Lisa, Viscountess Cobham

HONORARY CHAIRMAN - Algernon Heber-Percy, Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire

VICE-PRESIDENTS
Countess of Aylesford, Lindsay Bury, Mrs Simon Kenyon-Slaney, Mrs Vesey Holt, The Lord Stafford, Mrs Jacky Allen, Sir John Cotterell, Michael Wyndham, John N Kirkland, The Lord Vestey, The Duke of Beaufort, Denys C Shortt, John Berkeley

CHAIRMAN OF TRUSTEES - Hugh Meynell

TRUSTEES
John Jones, Mrs Michael Brinton, Martin Thompson, Paul Harris, Richard Everard, Peter Hornby, Barry Johns, Mrs Peter Holt, Shaukat Ali