CORNWALL Air Ambulance saw an increase in the number of rescue missions flown last year, with a total of 713 shouts — nine of which were in the Callington/ Gunnislake area.

Rescue missions were flown for a range of medical emergencies such as cardiac arrests and strokes. The charity recently flew its 25,000th mission to Gunnislake.

The air ambulance was also tasked to a range of trauma injuries, including a road traffic collision involving a car and motorcycle on the A388 at St Mellion, a patient suffering a neck injury near Callington and a child who fell off a bike near Gunnislake.

Across Cornwall, the charity saw an increase in the number of trauma incidents — emergencies such as road traffic collisions, sports injuries and falls from height — which in 2014 accounted for 40% of missions flown.

Road traffic collisions accounted for one in every ten missions, with a third of those involving motorcyclists. Thirty four equestrian incidents were attended.

Nearly one in every seven missions flown was to help babies, children and teenagers, with 95 missions flown to youngsters in 2014.

Medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes and collapses accounted for just over half of all missions flown.

Cornwall Air Ambulance paramedics often work alongside land paramedics to stabilise and treat patients on-scene before transporting patients to the best hospital for their needs.

Cornwall Air Ambulance chief executive Paula Martin said: ' We just want to say a huge thank you to the people of Cornwall, who have kept their support steadfastly behind this charity for 28 years. Without the support of those who donate or volunteer, we wouldn't fly a single mission.'

Every emergency mission flown by Cornwall Air Ambulance is funded by charitable donations. To find out how to keep the air ambulance flying, visit http://www.cornwallairambulance.org">www.cornwallairambulance.org