People in Gloucestershire can step into the world of an air ambulance crew and learn what it takes to operate a lifesaving emergency service, at a rare Midlands Air Ambulance Charity open day this August 2026.
Inviting the public to tour its facilities, meet its critical care paramedics, watch and even take part in interactive demonstrations, the charity is opening the gates of its Strensham airbase, just over the Worcestershire border near Tewkesbury, on Sunday 16 August 2026. It’s the only air ambulance service in the UK to be based at a motorway services, allowing its team to reach patients quickly.
At the free-to-attend, family-friendly event, visitors will be able to look around one of the charity's state-of-the-art helicopters and a critical care car, speak with the crew who deliver hospital-level treatment at the scene of emergencies, witness its iconic red helicopters taking flight, and explore interactive exhibits, including a helicopter pod for children.
The event offers an 'extraordinary' chance to gain exclusive insight into the lifesaving emergency service, with the charity hosting open days just once a year at its three airbases across the UK's largest air ambulance region – covering 6,000 square miles over six counties including northern Gloucestershire, serving more than seven million people.
Described by the charity as 'a brilliant day out for all ages', there will also be family entertainment and fun attractions to enjoy on the day, along with a variety of food stalls and vendors.
Julian Spiers, associate clinical operations director for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: 'Our open days play a crucial role in helping raise awareness of the rapid response and lifesaving care our crew provide every day in the local area.
'The Strensham airbase open day is a great opportunity for the local community to not only support our daily lifesaving missions, but to also see the work we do first-hand.'
The open day, which will run from 10am till 4pm, is free to attend and there's no need to book, with visitors able to just turn up.
For more information about the charity's fundraising events throughout the year, including its open days, visit midlandsairambulance.com/events.
