Air Ambulances UK unveils manifesto to safeguard lifesaving services

Air Ambulances UK has launched its manifesto, Critical Moments, Lifesaving Decisions, setting out four key national policy priorities to ensure air ambulance charities can continue to save lives across the UK.

The manifesto highlights the urgent need for government and partners to:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Strengthen public understanding of air ambulance funding 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.

“We are proud to launch this manifesto and stand alongside the UK’s air ambulance charities to call for the support needed to protect and strengthen these lifesaving services.”

The manifesto has already 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). (Please note this is not an exhaustive list).

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