Today (July 1) is exactly 15 years since the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance's first flight.
It took off to save lives for the very first time in 2007.
Since then, its doctors, paramedics, pilots and dispatch assistants have been called to more than 15,000, including many on the Island.
The Air Ambulance is regularly seen in the skies over the Isle of Wight, including most recently in Shalfleet, at a crash, and at a mud rescue in June.
- The service receives no government funding
- It costs an average of £3,320 for every emergency mission.
- DONATE to the charity HERE
After missions including performing surgery in a patient's house, long-serving team member, Dr David Sutton, is retiring.
He has has thanked the generosity of people who have donated funds to the air ambulance, allowing them to continue to save lives.
Dr Sutton said: "Quite simply, we would not have the service we do without the amazing support we have had from the public. Thanks to everyone over the years who has played their part."
In 2020, an Isle of Wight family told the County Press about the role the air ambulance played in saving the life of their seven month old toddler.
Hampshire-based Claire Danson, 32, was hoping to become a triathlete but collided with a tractor during a cycle ride.
It left her paralysed from the waist down.
The air ambulance team attended and provided Claire with specialist treatment before flying her to hospital.
Claire said: “You effectively wake up one day and your body is completely different to how you've ever known it. That can make you feel quite differently about yourself.
“I had limited knowledge of the air ambulance before my accident, but me and my family know that I wouldn't be alive today without them.”
Watch Claire’s story:
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