Air Ambulances UK urges action on life-saving missions
Air Ambulances UK is campaigning for its new manifesto.
The national organisation representing the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities – Air Ambulances UK – has launched a new four-point manifesto urging immediate action to protect the nation’s lifesaving services.
The manifesto calls for the safeguarding and improving of hospital helipad access. This should ensure 24/7-ready on-site helipads at all UK major trauma centres and specialist hospitals.
It also urges secure access to linked patient data so air ambulance charities can track outcomes, improve care, and support National Health Service (NHS) integration.
The final two points are pleas to temporarily re-join EGNOS (Europe’s regional satellite-based augmentation system) and to strengthen public understanding of air ambulance funding. Access to EGNOS is needed urgently to overcome weather and visibility issues, reducing delays or cancellations while the UK develops its own Satellite-Based Augmentation System.
Lastly, the organisation considers it import to improve national messaging on the independent, charitable nature of the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities.
Jamie Ward, Policy and Public Affairs manager at Air Ambulances UK said: “This manifesto highlights four key national policy issues that affect the lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulance charities — and presents clear opportunities for government action. These priorities are informed by frontline operational experience and are on behalf of the urgent needs of the communities air ambulance charities serve.”
The manifesto has received strong backing from across the sector, with early supporters including Airbus, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Air Ambulances, the APPG for Aviation, Babcock International Group, the British Helicopter Association, and the HELP Appeal (County Air Ambulance Trust), according to the organisation.
Air Ambulances UK provides national funding, raises awareness and advocates on key issues affecting services, working with partners and donors to ensure air ambulance charities remain at the forefront of pre-hospital care.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, the organisation launched Air Ambulance Week 2025 to boost donations and deliver the message: “Every Mission Starts With You.”
The manifesto urges UK authorities to:
- Safeguard and improve hospital helipad access
Ensure 24/7-ready on-site helipads at all UK Major Trauma Centres and specialist hospitals, prioritising upgrades at sites rated as high or medium concern. - Unlock access to patient data (PRANA)
Enable secure access to linked patient data so air ambulance charities can track outcomes, improve care, and support NHS integration. - Restore EGNOS temporarily for safer air ambulance missions
Temporarily re-join EGNOS to overcome weather and visibility issues, reducing delays or cancellations while the UK develops its own Satellite-Based Augmentation System. - Strengthen public understanding of air ambulance funding
Improve national messaging on the independent, charitable nature of the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities.
