Since then the charity, which relies entirely on donations, has completed more than 22,000 missions, making a difference to thousands of lives across the region.
These pictures are just a snapshot of some of the highlights during the past 21 years.
1.
North West Air Ambulance crew at Blackpool airport. L-R Justin Mawtus Neil Airey and Graham Bowen | jpimedia
2.
Blackpool Male Voice Choir filming with Paul Crone at Blackpool Airport, to raise money for the North West Air Ambulance. | jpimedia
3.
Blackpool Air Ambulance crew members Dave Suart (left) and Justin Mawtus who helped with the rescue on the derailed train in Cumbria. | jpimedia
4.
Air Ambulance paramedic Chris Fraser-Clark (right) and Ged Jones (North West Air Ambulance) with the new rapid resonse vehicle at their Blackpool Airport base, in 2009 | jpimedia