Air ambulance used almost daily

40% of patients with heart problems

More than 200 patients have been taken to the UK by air ambulance in the last six months.

The figures have been released by the service, based at Noble's Hospital.

Almost 40% of those flown away since April were suffering heart problems.

Other common reasons for air ambulance were broken bones and trauma injuries (17%), as well as cancer treatment (14%).

Of the total 211 who have used the service, 20 were children or babies.

There have also been 15 cases requiring emergency brain surgery.

Although the air ambulance service is government funded, it welcomes charitable donations to improve patient care and pay for new equipment.