Air Ambulance Week 2025 highlights lifesaving missions across the UK

Air Ambulance Week 2025 is underway from 8–14 September, with charities across the UK uniting under the theme “Every Mission Starts With You”. The campaign, led by Air Ambulances UK, aims to raise awareness and funds for the 21 regional air ambulance charities that collectively carry out more than 48,000 missions each year – around 134 daily.

Responding to major road collisions, cardiac arrests, falls, and emergencies in remote areas, air ambulance crews deliver hospital-level care at the scene of the most serious incidents. Each mission costs an average of £4,165 and is funded almost entirely by public donations, with no day-to-day government support.

Lindsay Boswell, CEO of Air Ambulances UK, said: “Every mission starts with someone choosing to support their local air ambulance charity – and that someone could be you. Whether you’re making a donation, organizing a fundraiser or simply telling others about the work air ambulance charities do, your actions help save lives. Air Ambulance Week is the perfect time to get involved and be part of something truly lifesaving.”

The importance of the service has been recognized by Prime Minister Rt Hon Keir Starmer MP, who praised the charities in a dedicated letter: “With crews dispatched to an average of 134 missions daily, delivering hospital-level care at the scene of serious incidents… these services are a lifeline for thousands across the country.”

The charities operate 38 helicopters and several critical care cars, staffed by specialist teams who can perform complex procedures at the scene, significantly improving patient outcomes.

One life saved was that of one-year-old Cora, who suffered a prolonged seizure at her home in rural Scotland. Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance dispatched a doctor-led crew with the lifesaving medication she urgently needed. They reached her within 15 minutes, stabilized her, and flew her to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Her mother said: “Without them, we could have lost our little girl. They saved her life – and probably mine as well.”

Air Ambulance Week encourages the public to donate, fundraise, or simply share the message – helping to keep these vital services in the air and on the road.

Last year’s Air Ambulance Week underscored how essential public support is for air ambulance charities to continue their lifesaving work with the theme ‘Today’s Supporter, Tomorrow’s Lifesaver’.