The SCAA Story

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is SCAA based?

The SCAA charity team is based at Perth Airport along with one of our air ambulances - Helimed 76. In Aberdeen, we have another charity office and our second air ambulance - Helimed 79. From these bases, we can reach 90% of Scotland’s population within 25 minutes.

Why doesn’t SCAA receive any government funding?

The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is funded by the government. SAS operates two helicopter air ambulances and two fixed wing aircraft. SCAA was formed to increase the capacity and resilience of our national response to time-critical medical emergencies across the country. It’s a daily challenge for our emergency services to cope. SCAA is now a seamlessly integrated and indispensable part of our emergency services. 

Why does SCAA operate Rapid Response Vehicles (RRV)?

Our RRVs are used for emergencies within close proximity to our bases at Perth and Aberdeen Airport. Sometimes travelling by car is the quicker option to get our paramedics to the scene. If we have a day when our helicopters are offline due to unscheduled maintenance or poor weather, the RRVs give us the capability to still provide a life-saving service.

How many hours a day does SCAA operate?

We operate 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

How much does it cost to operate SCAA?

We need to raise £5.2 million a year to maintain our life-saving service.

Does SCAA own its helicopters?

No, we lease the helicopters from Babcock MSC Ltd (formerly Bond Air Services).  This agreement includes pilots, maintenance and replacement helicopters when ours are undergoing maintenance.

How long can the aircraft fly before needing to re-fuel?

Approximately 90 minutes. There are many locations for re-fuelling whilst out on a life-saving mission, including Dundee, Edinburgh and Prestwick.

How fast do the helicopters fly?

On average, we fly at 130mph, with a top speed of around 160mph. We usually cruise at 1500-2000 ft above ground level.

How many people can the helicopters carry?

This is dependent upon the weight of individuals.  However, there is space for 1 pilot, 2 paramedics, 1 patient and 1 patient escort or consultant doctor.

What type of incidents does SCAA get called to?

We get called to a wide variety of trauma and medical emergencies. In 2020 –

  • 47% of call outs were to trauma incidents including RTCs, equestrian injuries, agricultural, industrial and sporting injuries, falls and impact injuries. 
  • 18% were to cardiac patients including heart attacks and heart failure. 
  • 17% were to medical emergencies including breathing difficulties, sepsis, organ failure, diabetes and convulsions. 
  • 5% of call outs were to patients who had suffered a stroke and required urgent medical assistance. 

Where does SCAA operate?

SCAA covers the largest charity air ambulance operational area in the UK – around 30,000 square miles.  We serve the entire population of Scotland, which currently equates to over 5 million people. 

How long does it take for SCAA to be airborne after receiving a call out?

Approximately 5 minutes.

How can I help SCAA?

There are many ways you can help, from making a donation to volunteering.  For further information click 'Support Us' at the top of this page or call us on 0300 123 1111.