CORNWALL’S Air Ambulance responded to nine separate incidents this weekend, including two serious crashes on the county's roads

The first crash took place on Saturday shortly before 5pm, when a car overturned on the A30 near Fraddon. The air ambulance attended the scene where the most seriously injured patient was stabilised before being airlifted to Derriford Hospital.

On Sunday crews attended another serious crash on the A388 at St Mellion where an injured motorcyclist was airlifted to Derriford Hospital following a collision with a car.

The helicopter was tasked to four patients suffering cardiac arrest over the weekend, including patients on the Lizard Peninsula and in North Cornwall.

Other incidents attended included a MotoX incident at Landrake, a patient with a broken ankle on a remote beach on the south coast and a patient suffering a serious leg injury from a circular saw accident.

Lead Aircrew Paramedic Steve Garvey said: “This was a busy weekend for crews, and really demonstrated how vital the air ambulance is to Cornwall. For a county with such remote communities, difficult to access beaches, and a congested road network in the summer, the air ambulance is an essential, not a luxury.

“This weekend crews dealt with a range of severe trauma injuries as well as urgent medical emergencies, overflying congested roads and transporting patients to the best hospital for their needs as quickly as possible.”

The Cornwall Air Ambulance attends an average of three missions every day throughout the year.

Steve added: “This weekend was busy, but was by no means exceptional. The summer is usually our busiest time, with an influx of people to the county and people getting out and enjoying everything Cornwall has to offer.

“We’re proud to be part of the great emergency services team keeping the county safe.”

To help the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust visit www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org.