An air ambulance charity based in Cambridgeshire has been awarded for the support it offers armed forces personnel.  

Magpas Air Ambulance is one of very few organisations across the country to have received a gold award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.  

The achievement is the highest badge of honour available in the scheme and recognises the positive role employers can plan in supporting the armed forces community. 

Daryl Brown MBE DL, is the charity’s Chief Executive and also Honorary Commander for the US Air Force, 423rd Medical Squadron of the 501st Combat Support Wing.  

He said: “Magpas Air Ambulance has a really strong relationship with the armed forces, with a number of our founding doctors coming from army and RAF backgrounds.  

“For over 50 years, this partnership has thrived—with Magpas Air Ambulance continuing to host many armed forces doctors, paramedics and flight crew—and some of our non-clinical staff are current or former service personnel, including two trustees.” 

“As a charity we have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant and we’re incredibly proud of our colleagues who have and continue to serve in the armed forces, as well as their families, and will always ensure they are treated fairly and get the support they need from Magpas Air Ambulance.

Magpas Air Ambulance also works in partnership with its local medical reserve force and has a reservists policy which was developed in consultation with its armed forces personnel.  

Mr Brown added: “We hope all of this supports our current workforce and will encourage other members of the forces to join this 24/7 lifesaving service.”     

Magpas Air Ambulance operates from its airbase at RAF Wyton, near Huntingdon.  

Natalie Church, Magpas Air Ambulance Director of Operations, added: “The Magpas Air Ambulance medical team regularly utilise procedures and equipment that are used on the battlefield and endorsed by our military staff to enhance patient care.”