Air Ambulances UK manifesto urges action to protect lifesaving services

Air Ambulances UK has launched a new manifesto calling for urgent government action to safeguard and strengthen air ambulance services across the country.

Unveiled on 29 September, ‘Critical Moments, Lifesaving Decisions’ sets out four national policy priorities drawn from frontline experience. The charity is calling on government and partners to:

• Ensure all UK Major Trauma Centres and specialist hospitals have 24/7-ready helipads, with upgrades prioritized at sites flagged as high or medium concern
• Unlock secure access to patient outcome data, allowing air ambulance charities to improve care and integrate more effectively with the National Health Service (NHS)
• Restore temporary access to the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) to reduce weather-related delays and cancellations until a UK satellite-based augmentation system is operational
• Strengthen public understanding of air ambulance funding, highlighting that the UK’s 21 air ambulance organizations are independent 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 already secured strong cross-sector backing. Early supporters include Airbus, the All-Party Parliamentary Groups for Air Ambulances and Aviation, Babcock International Group, the British Helicopter Association, and the HELP Appeal.

Air Ambulances UK, the national organization representing the sector, provides funding, advocacy, and awareness to support the work of air ambulance charities, which remain at the forefront of pre-hospital critical care in the UK.

Air Ambulance Week 2025 took place on 8–14 September, with charities across the UK uniting under the theme ‘Every mission starts with you’.