London’s Air Ambulance, which treated 169 critically-injured patients in Camden, Haringey, Barnet and Westminster last year, celebrates its 25th birthday today.

Formed in 1989, the charity has been at the forefront of medical innovation and pioneering procedures including roadside open-chest surgery, anaesthesia and blood transfusions that have been adopted around the world.

More than a third of the air ambulance’s calls last year were to road accidents, and nearly one in four were for stabbings and shootings.

As it reaches its milestone, the charity is asking for help to purchase a second helicopter and recruit pilots and fire crew to reach an estimated 400 more patients per year.

The charity relies heavily on the generosity of Londoners to maintain its service.

CEO Graham Hodgkin said: “It is thanks to the generosity of the people of London that we are commemorating this milestone. Thirty thousand people have benefited from our life-saving service and many of our critically-injured patients have returned to their families and communities to live healthy lives.”

He said reaching critically-injured patients by air is “simply the most effective way to deliver our advanced trauma team, giving them a better chance of survival.”

He added: “We urge the people and businesses of London to sign up as regular supporters to the charity to help us save more lives together.”

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “Hundreds of Londoners have their lives to thank for the crew’s speedy and efficient treatment.

“I urge people living in our city to support this vital cause so that they may continue to save lives for many years to come.”

* Visit www.londonsairambulance.co.uk/donate to support the charity. By giving just £5 per month you can help to maintain and to enhance the service.