Air Ambulances UK Celebrates Contributions of Women in the Sector this International Women's Day

(Critical care paramedic, Kerry Penn-Ashman)

As International Women’s Day approaches this Friday, Air Ambulances UK is proud to announce a week-long celebration dedicated to honouring the remarkable contributions of women in our sector. Throughout the week leading up to March 8th, we are spotlighting the incredible women who make invaluable contributions to the air ambulance industry.

Air Ambulances UK will feature a series of interviews highlighting the advice and experiences of prominent women in the sector. Among those interviewed are:

• Simmy Akhtar, CEO of Air Ambulances UK
• Jessica Thomas-Mourne, HEMS Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care at Devon Air Ambulance Trust
• Fleur Rath, Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care at Great Western Air Ambulance
• Hannah Nobbs, HEMS First Officer at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
• Elaine Turner, Co-Pilot at Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance
• Sinead Keane, Critical Care Paramedic at Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust
• Zoey Spurgeon, Critical Care Paramedic at Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust
• Kerry Penn-Ashman and Becci England Critical Care Paramedics at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
• Dr Becky Morris at Magpas Air Ambulance

These interviews offer a glimpse into the lives and careers of these inspiring women, showcasing their dedication, expertise, and resilience in the face of challenges.

Simmy Akhtar, CEO of Air Ambulances UK, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's essential to recognise the invaluable contributions of women in our sector. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to saving lives inspire us all. Thank you to all the women in our sector who have taken the time to share their experiences and insights with us."

In the UK, one in four critical care paramedics is a woman and 1 in 5 critical care doctors identify as a woman. Additionally, according to data from the Civil Aviation Authority 2022, only 3.7% of helicopter pilots are women.

For more information and to follow our International Women’s Day celebrations, please visit Air Ambulances UK website.