Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with Northern Ireland Ambulance Service is today celebrating the ninth anniversary of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) delivering life-saving, pre-hospital emergency care across the region.
It has been a monumental year defined by a historic leap forward in operational growth, national accolades and leadership growth.
Since its inception in July 2017, the HEMS has become an indispensable lifeline, reaching a staggering 5,731 taskings to date. It has been a busy start to the year for the dedicated crew, logging a total of over 125 flying hours since January 2026 alone.
Looking to the future, Air Ambulance NI has announced a massive operational milestone: the procurement of the first helicopter to be owned, as opposed to being leased, by the Charity. This would not have been possible without the generous support of the public, which Air Ambulance NI are deeply humbled by and grateful for. The new helicopter is scheduled to officially come into service in late summer 2026. This acquisition represents a major step forward in securing the long-term sustainability and resilience of Air Ambulance NI.
The past year has seen a high volume of advanced clinical interventions performed directly at the roadside, in fields, and in homes across Northern Ireland. The clinical crew, comprising a consultant doctor and advanced paramedic administer blood products at the scene of severe trauma on average twice per month. This immediate intervention can stabilises patients suffering from catastrophic blood loss before they reach a hospital emergency department, significantly improving survival rates.
The HEMS crew spend an average of 43 mins on scene performing critical care interventions that can mean the difference between life and death as well as transferring a patient to the most appropriate hospital for their injuries by air or by road. On average, 65% of patients are transferred to the major trauma centre at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. The decision of which hospital a patient is brought to is determined by the clinical team depending upon the nature of patient’s injuries or illness.
The medical team can deliver rapid sequence induction (RSI) to place critically injured patients into an induced coma at the scene. This complex procedure is performed for a variety of reasons including airway management and supports the stabilisation of a patient during the swift transit to definitive care.
This life-saving service is made possible by the generosity of the public and the dedication of a phenomenal volunteer network. The anniversary follows sweeping success celebrating supporters and volunteers at major national sector awards. These awards honoured the incredible community backing, that funds the £3 million required in fundraising each year to keep the service operational.
To help steer the charity through this exciting next chapter, Air Ambulance NI was delighted to welcome Michael Bloomfield OBE as a new trustee to the Board this year. Michael brings decades of high-level experience in healthcare leadership, strategy, and cross-agency partnership, having previously served as the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. His deep understanding of regional emergency care will further strengthen the charity’s robust partnership with NIAS.
At the Institute of Fundraising (IoF) Awards, Air Ambulance NI’s community flew high. Ulster Bank received the Highly Commended award for Fundraising Partnership of the Year. Former patient Hannah Babe was named Fundraising Volunteer of the Year. The Sky-Blue Ribbon Group was honoured as Volunteer Group of the Year for their extraordinary fundraising efforts in loving memory of Ballymena United supporter Lydia Ross.
At the national Air Ambulance UK (AAUK) Awards, Marcus Christie picked up Volunteer of the Year. Marcus stepped forward to support the local charity in January 2023 after his late mum Joan Christie, former Lord Lieutenant of Co Antrim was attended by the Air Ambulance. Since then he has dedicated his time to volunteering as a community ambassador and spearheading crucial fundraising initiatives.
Speaking on the anniversary, Breige Mulholland, Head of Operations and Finance AT Air Ambulance NI said:
“Nine years of service is a testament to an incredible partnership between our charity, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, and the beautiful community that supports our life-saving mission. Reaching 5,731 taskings is a sobering reminder of how vital this aircraft is. As we prepare to introduce our first owned helicopter late this summer, we are more equipped than ever to serve the people of Northern Ireland.”
As Air Ambulance NI look towards the future and an exciting new chapter, the local charity has launched ‘Lift Off Together’, inviting supporters to become a lasting part of the charity’s onward journey. The campaign offers the unique opportunity to have your name – or the name of someone special – featured on the underside of the new helicopter with a donation of £200. With space limited, it is a rare chance to leave a legacy while helping to ensure the new Air Ambulance is ready to respond when every second counts. For more information, please click here.
