The Air Ambulance Service charity welcomed three Members of Parliament who represent areas where emergency crews carry out their lifesaving missions.
To mark the end of Air Ambulance Week 2025, Catherine Atkinson MP (Derby North), Baggy Shanker MP (Derby South) and Amanda Hack MP (North West Leicestershire) visited the charity’s Nottingham airbase on Friday (12th September).
The Air Ambulance Service – which is a charity entirely funded by donations from the public – carries out missions throughout Derbyshire Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.
During the visit the crew were called out to a mission in the Derbyshire Dales to help a patient injured in an agricultural incident, giving the visiting MPs an insight into the importance of the service to be able to help people when every second counts. Upon their return the three Members of Parliament spoke at length with Pilot Andy Thompson, Critical Care Paramedic Keith Rutherford and Doctors Ewan Barron and Beatrice Bertolusso about the types of incidents they are called to and the breadth of their training and experience.
The airbase tour was hosted by the charity’s Chief Executive Officer Peta Wilkinson and the MPs were given a tour of one of the two AgustaWestland 109SP helicopters that fly at speeds of up to 185mph to carry the very latest lifesaving equipment and highly trained medical personnel to an average of ten missions a day.
They were then given instruction in how emergency teams use realistic training dummies designed to mimic human anatomy and physiology, allowing for hands-on practice of various medical procedures and techniques.
Amanda Hack MP said: “In North West Leicestershire, we’re fortunate to have a number of dedicated volunteers who fundraise tirelessly for the Air Ambulance, making a real difference to the lives of local people. Many residents may not realise that this vital service is funded primarily through public donations. During our recent visit, we had the opportunity to see their work first-hand and speak with members of the crew shortly after they returned from a call, it was a truly eye-opening experience.”
Catherine Atkinson MP remarked: “Meeting the Air Ambulance crew and hearing the stories behind their work was incredibly moving. These are experts in their field – always ready, often unseen, and utterly essential. Watching the team launch into action reinforced just how vital this service is. Their compassion and skill save lives across the East Midlands every single day”
Baggy Shanker MP added: “The skill, dedication and speed of the air ambulance crews is nothing short of remarkable. Every member of the team, from the pilots to critical-care medics, each play a vital role in saving lives. It was inspiring to witness their professionalism first-hand and it’s clear how much communities benefit from their expertise. This is an amazing charity and I encourage everyone who can to support them so they can keep flying and helping those in need.”
The Air Ambulance Service CEO Peta Wilkinson added: “We are grateful to our Members of Parliament for taking the time to visit us and learn how we use donations to deliver lifesaving first response and care in the air to the public every single day.”
The importance of air ambulance charities has also been recognised at the highest level of government. In a dedicated letter for Air Ambulance Week, Prime Minister Rt Hon Keir Starmer MP praised the lifesaving work carried out across the UK: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to these charities and to everyone who helps keep these essential services flying, from the crews to the fundraisers and volunteers who make every mission possible. Your commitment saves lives.”
You can read the Prime Minister’s full letter of support here: Prime Minister’s message for Air Ambulance Week.
For more information about how you can help support The Air Ambulance Service visit www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk.
