Our history

Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) was born from a vision to make life-saving emergency care accessible to everyone, no matter how remote their location in Scotland.

It all began in 2010, when discussions around the need for a charity air ambulance service in Scotland first took flight. With its expansive landscapes and rural areas often far from hospital care, there was a pressing need for a rapid-response service that could deliver immediate, high-quality medical intervention to those in critical situations.

After years of planning and fundraising, SCAA officially launched its operations in May 2013. The inaugural helicopter, Helimed 76, took off from its base in Perth, serving as Scotland’s first and only charity-funded air ambulance. This was a monumental moment in Scotland's emergency care network, marking the start of a new era where swift medical help became available to those in even the most remote parts of the country.

From the very beginning, SCAA's impact was undeniable. Operating in close partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), the team of highly trained paramedics and pilots quickly became a lifeline for many. By responding to time-critical emergencies—from severe trauma incidents to sudden medical crises—SCAA began saving lives across Scotland, one flight at a time.

In 2014, SCAA added a rapid response vehicle to its fleet, extending its ground support to areas where air transport wasn’t feasible due to weather or other factors. This year also saw a growing wave of public support, with donations pouring in from individuals, communities, and businesses across Scotland, ensuring the service could continue to fly.

2015 was a landmark year for SCAA. The charity upgraded its helicopter to the more advanced EC135, increasing operational efficiency and improving the service’s ability to deliver life-saving medical care. The improved helicopter allowed the crew to work more efficiently in challenging environments, reaching patients faster and transporting them to hospital with enhanced care.

SCAA’s continued success and the demand for its services prompted a major expansion in March 2020, when a second helicopter, Helimed 79, was launched from Aberdeen Airport. With this expansion, SCAA doubled its ability to respond to emergencies, covering even more of Scotland’s 30,000-square-mile territory. Helimed 79 was immediately operational, providing critical care in the North and North-East of Scotland, complementing Helimed 76, which continued to serve the central and southern regions.

This second base, in Aberdeen, meant quicker response times in regions previously harder to reach by air, such as the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, and the Northern Isles. The introduction of Helimed 79 not only expanded the charity’s reach but also solidified its position as a vital part of Scotland's emergency response infrastructure.

By 2024, SCAA had responded to thousands of emergency call-outs, reaching countless patients when every second mattered. Operating two helicopter air ambulances and rapid response vehicles, the charity had firmly established itself as an indispensable part of Scotland’s emergency services, providing life-saving care to some of the country’s most remote and rural areas. With a continued focus on innovation and excellence in care, SCAA remains committed to its mission—ensuring no one in Scotland suffers or dies because help couldn’t arrive in time.

Looking to the future, SCAA’s history is still being written. With every mission flown, the charity continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those it serves. As a charity air ambulance, SCAA is entirely reliant on the support of the public. The generous donations from individuals, businesses, and communities across Scotland have made it possible for the service to grow and thrive over the years, saving more lives with each passing day.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to expanding our services and saving more lives. With the unwavering support of the people of Scotland, SCAA is ready to tackle the challenges ahead and continue to provide the best in emergency medical care for everyone, no matter where they are in Scotland.

Join us in writing the next chapter of SCAA’s history, and together we can continue to save lives and make Scotland a safer place for all.