South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust logo

Welcome to SWASFT

Welcome to South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT)

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is responsible for the provision of ambulance services across an area of 10,000 square miles which is 20% of mainland England. We cover:

  • The former Avon area – Bristol, North Somerset including Bath, and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG)
  • Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
  • Devon
  • Dorset
  • Gloucestershire
  • Somerset
  • Wiltshire

The Trust serves a total population of over 5.5 million and is estimated to receive an influx of over 23 million visitors each year. Our operational area is predominantly rural but also includes large urban centres including Bristol, Plymouth, Exeter, Bath, Swindon, Gloucester, Bournemouth and Poole.

Our core operations focus is the delivery of emergency ambulance 999 services (A&E). We have 92 ambulance stations, two Emergency Operations Centres, and two Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART).

The Trust also provides the clinical teams for four air ambulance charities across the South West (Cornwall Air Ambulance, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, and Great Western Air Ambulance) and also works closely with the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

We employ nearly 6,000 mainly clinical and operational staff (including paramedics, emergency care assistants, advanced technicians, and nurse practitioners) plus GPs, around 950 volunteers (including community first responders, BASICS doctors, fire co-responders and ambulance service volunteers) and over 800 students in training. 

Trust Strategy 2023-28

To view the Trust’s Strategy, vision and strategic objectives click here 

Trust Values

One Team, Compassionate and Innovative

South Western Ambulance Charity logo

South Western Ambulance Charity

The South Western Ambulance Charity, founded in 1995, uses gifted monies to benefit those in our communities who use our service and to improve the welfare of the staff and volunteers of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. 

Our charitable support covers Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire including Bristol and Swindon.

If you would like to show your appreciation for the care that you or your loved one has received from us in the form of a charitable donation please visit our online giving website: Donate to South Western Ambulance Charity | Give as you Live Donate