YAA launches BRAND NEW PODCAST 'Summat in t'Air'
LISTEN NOW!

Yorkshire Air Ambulance breaks ground on new Northern Air Support Unit build

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has begun construction on their new Northern Air Support Unit facility this week.  The site at Skipton Bridge, on the outskirts of Skipton on Swale near Thirsk will house their new state-of-the-art northern airbase and become home to one of the charities air ambulance helicopters.

The new base will be purpose-built to reflect the exceptional facilities already established at YAA’s Southern Air Support Unit at Nostell near Wakefield, and will create a dedicated, long-term base for the northern region, providing stability for the Charity’s lifesaving operations and ensuring it is equipped to respond to emergencies efficiently.  The building will also offer energy-efficient infrastructure and will include a clinical planning room, advanced training and simulation suite, crew accommodation, wellbeing zones and ample meeting spaces.  Planning permission was granted back in July by North Yorkshire Council.

Mike Harrop, Chairman of YAA said: “Breaking ground on this project is a huge milestone for YAA.  We have been working towards this for many years now, and at various points we didn’t even know if we’d even get to this stage.  A huge amount of hard work has gone in behind the scenes to get us here and knowing that we’re bringing to life the Charity’s vision to secure our long-term future in the northern part of the region is wonderful.  Everyone in Yorkshire will benefit from this build project”.

Ripley based Hacs Construction has been appointed as the lead contractor for the build after a thorough tender process, which was managed by RLB’s Leeds office, who have acted as the client project manager.  The unique building has also been designed by Leeds based architect’s Group Ginger.

The build programme is expected to take approximately 45 weeks to complete before the internal fit out begins.  The charity hopes to be operational from the new airbase in early Autumn 2026.

Yorkshire Air 999 Returns with Brand New Episodes This October

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s hit documentary series Yorkshire Air 999 is set to return to TV screens this autumn, with a brand-new run of eight episodes airing weekly from Friday 3rd October at 9PM on the Really channel and streaming on Discovery+.

Narrated by acclaimed actor David Morrissey, the opening episode follows the story of Stephen Rathbone, from Leyburn, who found himself in a life-threatening situation after being pinned beneath his vintage tractor on a remote hillside. Trapped for over two hours, Stephen suffered eight broken ribs, a fractured shoulder, a broken sternum and a punctured lung, before YAA’s critical care team, supported by North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, the North Yorkshire Ambulance Service, North Yorkshire Police and Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team, were able to free him and fly him to James Cook University Hospital for urgent care. His remarkable survival and recovery highlight the crucial role YAA plays in reaching patients quickly when every second counts.

Filmed with body-worn cameras, helicopter minicams and a multi-camera set-up at YAA’s Nostell Air Support Unit, Yorkshire Air 999 captures every moment as the charity’s pilots, technical crew members, paramedics and doctors respond to emergencies, from the first 999 call to the patient handover at hospital.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance launches first podcast Summat in t’Air

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary year with the launch of its very first podcast, Summat in t’Air, hosted by much-loved former ITV weatherman and YAA Patron, Jon Mitchell.

Launching on Wednesday 24 September, the 11-part series will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and across all major streaming platforms, with a new episode released every Wednesday. Each episode will share the heart-warming, inspiring, and sometimes surprising stories behind Yorkshire’s lifesaving air ambulance service.

Listeners will hear from former patients, the lifesaving YAA Critical Care Team, fundraisers, volunteers and the team behind the charity’s popular TV series Yorkshire Air 999, discovering what it takes to keep YAA flying and the incredible journeys of the people whose lives it touches.

Among the voices in the series is Olympic rowing champion Georgie Brayshaw from Leeds, who reflects on her remarkable journey from being airlifted by YAA as a teenager after a serious equestrian accident to standing on the podium in Paris with a gold medal. Listeners will also meet Anthony Burman, who was flown by YAA in 2009 after a life-threatening motorcycle crash and is now on an extraordinary path to save his young son’s life by donating him his kidney. From within the charity itself, Sammy Wills, one of the UK’s longest-serving HEMS paramedics, looks back on her career and on the vital role Yorkshire Air Ambulance has played in saving lives over the past 25 years.

The launch of Summat in t’Air is a key part of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s 25th anniversary celebrations, marking a quarter of a century of saving lives across the region. Over the past 25 years, the charity has become a vital part of Yorkshire’s emergency care network, and this new podcast offers a fresh way for supporters to connect with its story.

Summat in t’Air launches on Wednesday 24 September, with new episodes every week. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major platforms, or via the YAA website at  www.yaa.org.uk/summat-in-tair-podcast 

Yorkshire Air 999 Shortlisted for Prestigious Royal Television Society Award

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s hit TV series Yorkshire Air 999 has been named among the finalists at this year’s Royal Television Society Yorkshire Awards, a night celebrating more than 20 categories honouring the very best of the region’s television talent.

Each mission is shown from the moment a 999 call comes in, to the patient handover at hospital, with follow-up interviews offering a moving insight into the lasting impact of YAA’s work.

The show’s cases range from cardiac arrests and road traffic collisions to complex equestrian accidents, sporting injuries and rural rescues, all set against Yorkshire’s dramatic landscapes. Viewers also witness the advanced, often lifesaving, treatments performed by the critical care team, including rapid sequence intubation, thoracostomies, roadside blood transfusions, and advanced airway management.

The winners of the RTS Yorkshire Awards will be announced on 24 October at Headingley Stadium, with categories ranging from drama and documentary to news, animation, factual entertainment and more. Special awards for Hidden Hero, Outstanding Contribution and Professional Excellence will also be revealed on the night.

Dr Stuart Reid, Medical Director at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “Yorkshire Air 999 gives viewers a true window into our world. It shows the split-second decisions, the advanced treatments delivered in challenging conditions, and the human stories that stay with us long after the mission ends. The series is filmed with real sensitivity and respect for our patients, and we are incredibly proud to see the work of our crews recognised with this nomination.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance moves forward with new Northern Airbase

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) have today confirmed that planning permission has been granted for their new Northern Airbase, which is to be located on the outskirts of Skipton on Swale, near Thirsk. This marks a hugely significant milestone for the Charity who have long yearned for a permanent home in the northern part of Yorkshire to enable them to deliver life-saving critical care across the whole of Yorkshire in a timely manner.

Following years of searching for a suitable site, YAA has agreed to purchase some land on the outskirts of Skipton on Swale, just 3.5 miles from its current operations at RAF Topcliffe and North Yorkshire Council have now granted planning permission for the development to commence. This milestone has only been possible through close cooperation with North Yorkshire Council, external agencies and interested parties to ensure that the Charity’s plans are sympathetic, sustainable and environmentally friendly. The new base will be purpose-built to reflect the exceptional facilities already established at the YAA’s Nostell Air Support Unit near Wakefield, and will create a dedicated, long-term base for the northern region, providing stability for YAA’s lifesaving operations and ensuring it is equipped to respond to emergencies efficiently and quickly – with the latter particularly important to the more isolated rural communities especially in the North and East of the County

For over a decade, YAA has been a tenant at RAF Topcliffe, benefiting from the invaluable support of the Royal Air Force, the British Army’s 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, and crucially, the local community. While this relationship has been pivotal in enabling YAA to deliver its critical service, the Charity’s vision for a purpose-built base reflects its commitment to advancing its capabilities and ensuring its crews can operate at the highest level in the years ahead.

“This new airbase represents a significant investment for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and one that is entirely aimed at improving the service we deliver to the communities we serve. It will strengthen our service, enhance patient care and provide a modern facility designed specifically for the needs of our aviation and medical crew. It has only been possible through the continued generosity of our supporters and funders, whose backing is pivotal to us sustaining and improving our life-saving work.”, added Mike.

The cost of the development is expected to be covered by pre-planned savings and investments, grant funding, philanthropic support and private donations.

The project has been designed by Leeds-based architects Group Ginger, and the Charity are now in the process of appointing a lead contractor and will then commence the development. A completion date is yet to be confirmed.

Armadillo Storage Extends Partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance

The conveniently located storage unit serves as a vital hub for YAA’s South Yorkshire fundraising operations, providing easy access to essential materials. It houses everything from event equipment and promotional merchandise to fundraising supplies and volunteer resources, ensuring the team is well-prepared to maximise their impact at events across the region.

Gripple Raises Over £27,500 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Lifesaving Work

As a 100% employee-owned business, Gripple’s charitable arm, the Gripple Foundation, is committed to supporting local causes, and YAA was proudly chosen as its Charity of the Year for 2024.

In 2024 alone, Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s critical care team treated 1,297 patients, including 326 cardiac arrest cases, and delivered 417 lifesaving interventions. As an independent charity, YAA relies entirely on the generosity of businesses like Gripple and public donations to continue providing this essential service.

Group of people on stage claiming award

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Launches Campaign to Add Supporters’ Names to Its fleet of Helicopters

Each supporter will receive a personalised digital certificate to confirm their place on the helicopter and will also be able to track the location of their name using an online name finder, enabling them to see their contribution to YAA’s lifesaving work.

Tessa Klemz, Regional Fundraising Manager for North & East Yorkshire, understands how meaningful this campaign will be to those who have been directly impacted by YAA’s work. She said, “Having your name on our helicopter is something that has been requested time and time again by our supporters, especially those who’ve been directly impacted by our work. We are incredibly proud to finally offer this opportunity to the people of Yorkshire. Whether it’s your name, a loved one’s, or a tribute in memory of someone special.  ‘A Year Over Yorkshire’ is our way of showing that every name, every donation, and every supporter is part of our lifesaving journey. We’re excited to take these names to the skies as we continue saving lives across the region.”

As part of the campaign’s initial launch, 20 names from the first panel to be filled will be selected at random. These lucky supporters will receive an exclusive invitation to visit YAA’s Nostell Air Support Unit, where they can see their name displayed on the helicopter in person and meet some of the crew who carry out lifesaving missions every day.

‘A Year Over Yorkshire’ is open for submissions now and supporters are encouraged to secure their place early to avoid disappointment.   All terms and conditions can be found on the YAA website.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Unveils Stunning Drone Show in Partnership with SKYMAGIC to Launch its 25th Anniversary Year

The breathtaking show, which premiered on Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s YouTube and social media channels, has already captivated hundreds of viewers.

Adding to the authenticity, the cinematic video, created by Northern Visuals based in Hull, captures the essence of a real-life YAA mission, using the voiced of actual YAA crew members which was recorded during a live incident, creating an immersive and emotional experience that highlights the Charity’s lifesaving work. The show was also generously designed and produced by SKYMAGIC free of charge, making it a truly special gift to mark the beginning of YAA’s milestone year.

SKYMAGIC, renowned for their high-profile drone shows – including performing for His Majesty Kind Charles III at the 2023 coronation concert at Windsor Castle, marketing the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and even landing a 3D A380 plane on the North Runway of the newly renamed Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi – brought their world-class expertise to this unique collaboration.

The drone show is just the beginning of a year-long series of events and initiatives to mark Yorkshire Air Amblance’s milestone 25th anniversary.

Watch the breathtaking drone show and celebrate 25 years of lifesaving missions across Yorkshire by clicking here.

Yorkshire Receives an Early Christmas Gift as YAA Welcomes New Helicopter to its Fleet

This latest addition to the fleet will join YAA’s existing aircrafts, G-YAAA and G-YORX, forming part of a rotational system that will ensure the charity remains operationally resilient. This vital addition will provide a no-notice replacement during scheduled maintenance, unexpected repairs, and mandatory crew training. By eliminating the need for leased aircraft during these periods, G-YAIR will enable YAA to maintain seamless lifesaving coverage across the region, ensuring operational availability remains as close to 100% as possible.

Inside the cabin, the medical crew benefits from a modern wheeled stretcher system, making patient loading and unloading faster and easier. This system reduces the need for manual lifting, improving both efficiency and safety during missions.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Aims to Raise Over £20,000 in a Week to Fund Vital Crew Kit

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is participating in The Big Give for the second consecutive year. In 2023, the charity successfully raised £19,000, covering the charities then daily operational costs. As an independent charity, YAA relies entirely on the generosity and support of people across Yorkshire to fund its vital service, ensuring that the crew can continue to deliver lifesaving care to those in need.

Kerry Dwyer, Director of Public Fundraising at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, expressed her sincere thanks to all supporters ahead of the campaign. She said, “The flight suits and helmets we are raising funds for are vital to our crew’s safety and ability to perform lifesaving missions across Yorkshire. Thanks to our generous match funders, every pound donated during The Big Give will be doubled – turning a £10 donation into a £20 contribution, without any extra cost to the donor.

On behalf of everyone at YAA, I extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who is able to donate to our Big Give campaign. Whether big or small, every contribution will make a significant impact and without your support, reaching our target would not be possible”.

To learn more about The Big Give or to make a donation, please click here and help YAA reach its goal before midday on Tuesday, 10th December, to help keep the crew ready to save lives in the year ahead.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Called to Harrogate Rider’s Close Call After Being Crushed by Horse

Once inside the ambulance, Joe’s condition improved slightly, and he was able to move his toes, offering a hopeful sign amidst the worrying situation. Following on-scene care, the YAA crew worked with local paramedics to arrange his transfer by land ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary for further scans and treatment.

At the hospital, X-rays revealed that Joe had not suffered a spinal fracture, but he had broken eight ribs in the fall. He spent three days in the hospital recovering from his injuries and is continuing his rehabilitation at home.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Joe said, “As a horse rider, you never think these things will happen to you. I’ve ridden horses for three decades, but it all happened so quickly. I can’t thank the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team enough for the incredible care they gave me that day—they made a frightening experience so much more manageable”.

Speaking about equestrian-related incidents, Terri-Ann highlighted the risks involved. “There’s a lot of protective gear that horse riders wear, but if they aren’t wearing it, the injuries can be much worse when they fall. Thankfully, Joe was wearing his safety gear, which likely prevented even more serious injuries. We’re so pleased to learn he’s making a good recovery”.

The episode also follows the YAA team as they respond to a range of emergencies, including an elderly woman that had fallen from steep ladders in her garden, a cyclist that came off his bike on a country road breaking 14 bones including his neck and a 12-year-old boy that fell from a motorcross bike requiring emergency surgery for his leg.