Air Ambulances UK highlights contributions of women in the industry

As International Women’s Day approaches, Air Ambulances UK has announced a week-long celebration dedicated to honoring the contributions of women in the industry.

The charity will feature a series of interviews focused on the experiences, expertise and advice of prominent women in the sector. The series will highlight their dedication, expertise, and resilience in the face of challenges.

Among those interviewed are:

• Simmy Akhtar, CEO of Air Ambulances UK
• Jessica Thomas-Mourne, Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care at Devon Air Ambulance Trust
• Fleur Rath, Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care at Great Western Air Ambulance Charity
• Hannah Nobbs, HEMS First Officer at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
• Elaine Turner, Co-Pilot at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
• Sinead Keane, Critical Care Paramedic at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust
• Zoey Spurgeon, Critical Care Paramedic at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust
• Kerry Penn-Ashman and Becci England, Critical Care Paramedics at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
• Dr Becky Morris at Magpas Air Ambulance

Akhtar commented: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s essential to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in our sector. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to saving lives inspire us all. Thank you to all the women in our sector who have taken the time to share their experiences and insights with us.”

In the UK, one in four critical care paramedics are women and one in five critical care doctors identify as women. According to data from the Civil Aviation Authority 2022, only 3.7% of helicopter pilots are women.

For last year’s International Women’s Day, Philips Search and Rescue Trust gave an insight into the experiences of the women in its crews.