Air Ambulance Week 2026 takes off from 7-13 September, raising awareness of the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities across the UK.
Here in Wales, Wales Air Ambulance provides 24/7 advanced pre-hospital care for the whole of the country.
This national awareness week brings together air ambulance charities from across the UK to share one powerful message: “Every Mission Starts With You.”
Air ambulance crews are dispatched to over 137 lifesaving missions each day across the UK, with each mission powered almost entirely by public support. In Wales, the air ambulance service attends approximately 3,600 life-or-limb-threatening emergencies every year.
In 2026, the Wales Air Ambulance Charity marks its 25th anniversary, having attended over 58,000 missions since its inception in 2001.
During Air Ambulance Week, the Charity will be sharing the stories of people whose lives have been saved by the service, as well as shining a spotlight on those who contribute, such as the crews, volunteers and supporters.
Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance Charity Chief Executive, said: “Air Ambulance Week aims to raise awareness of the vital lifesaving work that air ambulances undertake across the UK, including here in Wales. We are the only dedicated air ambulance charity for our country.
“Every mission starts with our dedicated supporters. Our aim is, and always will be, to be there whenever and wherever we are needed. None of this would be possible without the incredible people across Wales who have taken Wales Air Ambulance to their hearts and shown unwavering passion for the Charity and its work for more than 25 years.”
“To our supporters and volunteers – thank you. You are helping save lives and improve patient outcomes every single day.”
The Wales Air Ambulance service is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatment to patients and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. It is delivered through a unique partnership between the third sector and public sector.
Wales Air Ambulance must raise £13 million each year, funded by local communities and dedicated supporters. On average, a helicopter mission and critical care car mission cost a combined £3,545.
The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
This Air Ambulance Week, Wales Air Ambulance is calling on people across Wales to support the Charity so it can continue reaching patients like Mandy Reynolds when they need urgent critical care.
Last year Mandy was enjoying a walk on Great Orme when she slipped on jagged rocks, which resulted in the Wales Air Ambulance team being dispatched to her aid.
Following her fall, the mum-of-two sustained a very complex triple open fracture with full dislocation of her ankle. Mandy later underwent plastic and orthopaedic surgery and had to learn to walk again.
A grateful Mandy said: “I am extremely thankful to the Wales Air Ambulance crew, who came to my rescue when I was in urgent need. The skills of the Wales Air Ambulance team gave me a second chance and saved my foot. I will always be deeply grateful to the service and to everyone who has helped me during this life-changing event.”
If you’d like to get involved in Air Ambulance Week, there are several ways in which you can support Wales Air Ambulance. Visit www.walesairambulance.com/support-us/ways-to-donate
