Air ambulance charity event aims to attract more women into HEMS

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) is holding an engagement day to encourage more women to pursue careers in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).

The event will take place at the charity’s North Weald airbase on 6 November, from 10am to 4pm, bringing together women interested in pre-hospital emergency medicine (PHEM) and those already working in the sector.

Women currently account for just one in five HEMS doctors (20%) and around one in four HEMS paramedics (24%) across the UK. EHAAT is looking to improve representation, with women already making up 35% of its doctors and 36% of its paramedics.

Attendees will hear from women working within the service and learn about the range of career opportunities available, including clinical, research and educational roles.

“Helicopter Emergency Medical Services demands calm under pressure, sharp judgement in chaos and compassion at the roadside. Women have carried those qualities through every crisis in history.

“For many years, women were told that this profession was not intended for them: that the equipment was too heavy, the hours too demanding and the pressure too great; that the cockpit and the critical-care bag belonged to others. We heard those assertions, and we came regardless.”

Kate Jackson, one of EHAAT’s flight doctors and the event’s organiser.

She added that more work was needed to make the profession accessible, including ensuring equipment fits properly, rotas accommodate different needs and women have visible role models in leadership positions.

“So to the paramedic wondering if she’s ready, the doctor doubting whether she’d fit in: apply. Ask for the mentor, insist on the flexible rota, and take your seat at the table and your seat in the aircraft,” Jackson said.

Those interested in attending can register through the Women in PHEM engagement day registration form.

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